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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 Nov 2016

How Do You Measure Up? Finding Fit Between Foundations and Their Evaluation Functions

Foundations need to think carefully about how the structure, position, focus, resources, and practices of their evaluation functions can best fit their own needs and aspirations. This Foundation Review article, based on 2015 benchmarking research, poses questions foundations can ask to assess what they need from an evaluation function, and common areas of misalignment between needs and approaches.

By Tanya Beer, Julia Coffman

publication May 2016

Benchmarking Foundation Evaluation Practices: 2015 Benchmarking Data

The result of a partnership between the Center for Effective Philanthropy and Center for Evaluation Innovation, this report offers a comprehensive look at foundation evaluation practices, based on 2015 survey data from 127 senior evaluation and program staff at foundations. 

By Tanya Beer, Julia Coffman

insight Apr 2016

Oh for the Love of Sticky Notes! The Changing Role of Evaluators Who Work with Foundations

Julia Coffman, founder of the Center for Evaluation Innovation, illustrates evaluators’ changing roles in the context of her own experiences as a long-time evaluator in philanthropy. This article published on Medium examines the history of evaluation in philanthropy, and the implications of role changes for evaluator skills, expertise, and boundaries.

By Julia Coffman

publication Jan 2016

The Shaping of Evaluation at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

This teaching case tells the story of the evolution of the evaluation function at the Hewlett Foundation from 2000 to 2015. It is as much the story of how one foundation’s culture shaped that evolution as it is how key leaders influenced the use of evaluation.

publication Jul 2015

Network Evaluation in Practice: Approaches and Applications

What are success factors in building a network? What should funders support when they design network grants? How can network builders and funders tell how well a network is doing? This Foundation Review article offers a three-pillar framework for evaluating networks focused on network connectivity, health, and results. 

By Julia Coffman

publication Mar 2015

Four Tools for Assessing Grantee Contribution to Advocacy Efforts

Advocacy takes place in a complex and crowded political environment with many organizations trying to move policy on the same issue at the same time. This brief offers four tools that funders can use to get a better handle on a grantee’s contribution to an advocacy effort. 

By Tanya Beer, Julia Coffman

publication Sep 2014

Assessing and Evaluating Change in Advocacy Fields

Funders engaged in advocacy field building have different evaluation needs than those that aim to build specific advocacy capacities or advance a particular policy change. This resource brings together emerging ideas about how to assess advocacy fields and evaluate advocacy field-building initiatives. 

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

presentation Jul 2014

Evaluation and Learning for Aligned Action: 2014 Evaluation Roundtable Convening

This presentation provides the context for the 2014 Evaluation Roundtable convening, as well as discussion outlines, benchmarking data, case examples, and key lessons and implications for evaluation and learning. 

By Tanya Beer, 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