Evidence and Learning Community of Practice

This community aims to connect foundation professionals interested in exploring new paradigms and practices on various aspects of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL). Its current focus is on adapting MEL practices to capture complexities of systems change, while ensuring equitable approaches to redress power imbalances in funder-grantee relationships.

Vision

A safe space for MEL professionals  to learn from one another and feel empowered to advance effective evidence and learning approaches within their organisations and in the sector at large.

Areas of practice in focus

  • Learning and evidence in complexity
  • Learning with grantee partners to understand and change perspectives
  • Community participation and equity in MEL design and implementation
  • Blending different forms of evidence and data to inform strategy and adaptation
  • Building adaptive MEL frameworks and processes

Activities

  • In-person convenings
  • Online, peer-led webinars
  • Sharing resources
  • Benchmarking surveys

Philea re-launches Evidence and Learning Community of Practice to strengthen MEL practice in philanthropy

How to engage

Join the Community

All Philea full members can join the community, based on a tiered community membership fee, in order to:

  • Get updates & info on community activities
  • Participate in activities and events, online and in person
  • Share their knowledge and experiences, provide case studies and best practices
  • Reinforce the connection with their peers
  • Add their voice to the work plan for the community
  • Act as and/or suggest speakers for events, provide briefings on ad hoc topics and, if relevant, participate in Core Group meetings

Criteria to join:

  • Full Philea membership
  • An interest or expertise in MEL (evidence and learning, or impact measurement)
  • Willingness to actively contribute time and knowledge to support the community’s work

Join the Core Group

The Core Group of members collaboratively shapes and helps implement the work plan, making sure that ambitions and resources align.  The Core Group acts as a sounding board in designing the programme, taking the lead in chosen activities as relevant.

Core Group

ITA
Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo
CHE
Fondation Botnar
NLD
IKEA Foundation
GBR
Paul Hamlyn Foundation
CHE
Stiftung Mercator Schweiz

More about the Community

Philea’s Evidence and Learning Community of Practice is part of its peer-learning portfolio. The work of the group builds on activities started within the EFC, namely an Evaluation Academy organised in 2015; a Strategic Learning Convening in 2019; and an online Impact Summit in 2020.