Evidence and Learning Community of Practice

This community aims to connect topical experts from philanthropic organisations to learn with and from peers about new learning paradigms and practices, and inspire new thinking.

Philanthropies increasingly work to tackle root causes of complex issues; catalyse systems change; and redress power imbalances in funder-grantee partner relationships.

Focus areas

Learning in complexity
Learning with grantee partners
Engaging with boards
Blending different forms of evidence and data to inform strategy and adaptation
How to build learning frameworks and processes

Activities

In-person convenings
Online, peer-led webinars
Online community
Benchmarking surveys

Network background

Philea is setting up an Evidence and Learning Community of Practice as part of its peer-learning portfolio.

The work 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.

Understanding the power play in MEL

The way we understand, measure, and evaluate impact is deeply intertwined with power, and acknowledging this fact is the first step toward redressing power asymmetries.

Stefanos Oikonomou

Head of Programmes – Peer-Exchanges

Opinions – 19 May 2023

Philanthropic focus on impact is undeniable, but are funding and measurement practices setting us up for success?

Most philanthropic organisations aim for North Stars (creating more just societies, and climate positive economies), yet continue funding and measuring progress in ways that are not commensurate with the ambitions of the work. Expanding the toolbox to encompass flexible funding, and plural learning practices, is urgently needed to turbocharge new social change strategies and ways of working.

Contact

Stefanos Oikonomou

Head of Programmes – Peer-Exchanges

stefanos.oikonomou@philea.eu

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