GEOList Summary: Formal Foundation-University Evaluation Partnerships

We are currently conducting research into whether any foundations have developed a formal, ongoing partnership or relationship with a local university to take on specific evaluation functions for the foundation? In short, we are in the initial stages of exploring the pro’s and con’s of supporting a “Center” at a local university (e.g. The Center for Evaluation and Learning) to be a primary partner in conducting evaluations for the foundation. Have any other foundations tried (successfully or unsuccessfully) this approach for evaluation or anything else related to your grantmaking? Or, even tried this approach to varying degrees? Any thoughts, reflections or experiences would be greatly appreciated.