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publication May 2017

Systems Change Evaluation Forum

Complex systems change efforts create practical challenges for evaluation. The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation convened their full staff and a group of external evaluators who work in philanthropy for a Systems Change Evaluation Forum. This report provides observations, tools, approaches, and advice for addressing systems evaluation challenges.

By Tanya Beer

publication Jul 2015

Strategy Design Amid Complexity: Tools for Designing and Implementing Adaptive Funding Strategies

Foundations need processes and tools to create and implement adaptive strategies while also addressing the core dilemmas these strategies create. This Foundation Review article offers tools to help foundations design adaptive strategies, and ideas for balancing accountability with adaptability. 

By Tanya Beer

publication Jul 2014

The State of Network Evaluation: Framing Paper

Many in the social-change sector are recognizing the potential power of networks for achieving social change. But how do you evaluate them? This paper examines the field’s thinking on network evaluation frameworks, approaches, and tools.

By Julia Coffman

publication Jul 2014

A Practical Guide to Evaluating Systems Change in a Human Services System Context

A consensus has grown in the public, philanthropic, and nonprofit sectors that we must use systems change approaches to effectively address society’s most intractable challenges. Evaluating systems change efforts can be messy, if not outright overwhelming. This guide offers a pragmatic framework. 

publication Jul 2014

First Among Equals: The Evaluation of the McConnell Foundation Social Innovation Generation Initiative

This teaching case explores both the real and potential evaluation of a foundation strategy focused on social innovation in Canada. 

publication Jul 2014

Evaluating Networks for Social Change: A Casebook

This casebook profiles nine evaluations of network effectiveness that are designed to fit with how networks develop and function.

By Julia Coffman

publication Jun 2014

Evaluation and Learning for Complexity and Aligned Action: Framing Brief

This framing brief developed for the 2014 Evaluation Roundtable convening explores whether and how sectoral shifts in strategy mindset and practice toward more complexity and emergence call for changes in the role of evaluation and learning in foundations. 

By Tanya Beer, Julia Coffman

publication Mar 2014

Evaluation for Strategic Learning: Assessing Readiness and Results

Evaluation for strategic learning is the use of data and insights from a variety of information-gathering approaches—including evaluation—to inform decision-making about strategy. This brief explores organizational preparedness and situational suitability for evaluation that supports strategic learning, and how to understand if this type of evaluation is working.  

publication May 2013

Eyes Wide Open: Learning as Strategy Under Conditions of Complexity and Uncertainty

How can foundations avoid the traps that sabotage their learning and hamper their ability to guide strategy in complex contexts? This article explores a series of self-created “traps," including 1) linearity and certainty bias; 2) the autopilot effect; and 3) indicator blindness.

By Tanya Beer, Julia Coffman

publication Mar 2013

The Art of the Nudge: Five Practices for Developmental Evaluators

Conventional program evaluation is a poor fit for the uncertain and emergent nature of innovative and complex initiatives. Developmental evaluation offers an alternative. This article offers five practices to help developmental evaluators detect and support opportunities for learning and adaptation leading to right-timed feedback.

By Tanya Beer

publication Nov 2012

Evaluation for Models and Adaptive Initiatives

This Foundation Review article outlines the difference between evaluation for two main types of grantmaking programs: models, which provide replicable or semi-standardized solutions, and adaptive initiatives, which are flexible programming strategies used to address problems that require unique, context-based solutions. 

By Julia Coffman

publication Aug 2012

Evaluating Social Innovation

Common evaluation approaches and practices can constrain the kind of continuous learning and adaptation that is necessary for innovation. This brief offers lessons about an emerging evaluation approach—developmental evaluation—which supports the adaptation that is so crucial to innovation.

By Tanya Beer