Denton, when evaluating whether to take on a new project—particularly in philanthropic and development contexts—former President Bill Clinton and his associated organizations, such as the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), have articulated a consistent set of considerations. While he does not always present these as a fixed list of standardized questions, Clinton’s speeches, interviews, and written works, notably in Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World (Knopf, 2007), indicate that he focuses on key criteria before committing resources and support to any given initiative.
Below are the core questions Clinton is known to ask or imply when assessing a project:
- Does the project address a clear, unmet need?
Clinton stresses the importance of identifying gaps that are not already fully covered by existing organizations. He seeks projects that fill genuine needs rather than duplicating efforts. (Source: Clinton, B. (2007). Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World. Knopf.) - Will it have a measurable and meaningful impact on people’s lives?
He consistently emphasizes measurable outcomes—data and evidence are crucial. He asks if the project’s results can be quantified and evaluated objectively to ensure effectiveness and genuine improvement in people’s welfare. (Source: Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Reports, available at: https://www.clintonfoundation.org) - Is it sustainable over the long term?
Clinton focuses on ensuring that projects are not short-lived fixes. He wants to know if the initiative has a strategy for long-term success, financial viability, local capacity-building, and the ability to continue without perpetual external input. (*Source: Clinton, B. (2007). Giving.) - Will it empower local communities and leverage local partnerships?
Collaboration with on-the-ground entities and respect for cultural contexts is paramount. Clinton examines the degree to which the project involves local stakeholders, nonprofits, governments, and community leaders to ensure that the work is both relevant and durable. (Source: CGI Commitment Guidelines and Meeting Transcripts, https://www.clintonfoundation.org/our-work/clinton-global-initiative) - Does it complement rather than compete with existing efforts?
Instead of reinventing the wheel, Clinton seeks initiatives that add unique value. He wants projects that build on what’s already there—collaborating, not supplanting other organizations—resulting in more efficient use of resources. (*Source: Clinton, B. (2007). Giving.) - Can success be scaled and replicated?
Finally, Clinton often inquires whether a successful pilot can be expanded to help more people, in more places, once the model is proven. The potential for scalability and replicability is a recurring theme in his approach. (Source: CGI Annual Meetings and Clinton Foundation FAQs.)
These questions are not always enumerated in an identical manner, but the underlying principles recur throughout Clinton’s public statements, CGI commitments, and foundation literature. They underscore his pragmatic, data-driven, and partnership-oriented approach to philanthropy.