⚖️ Monitoring, evaluation and learning is an ever-evolving area for Maitri. We work hard to be intentional and get the balance right, to help make sure the resources we have work hardest at achieving quality education for children. Our Head of Learning, Kirsty Norris, had the pleasure of contributing her views during the development of this NPC (New Philanthropy Capital) guide to #MEL with Trust and Equity. A great resource for grantmakers or anyone who works in the MEL space. #philanthropy #MonitoringEvaluationandLearning
It’s been a long time in the making so very pleased to share our new guide for funders and philanthropists: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning with Trust and Equity. It's a topic we know raises big questions for larger and smaller grant-makers alike and, indeed, has caused us to reflect a lot as evaluation and learning consultants. In the guide we call for: 🔺 More intentionality in the ways that funders approach MEL, which centres learning and equity from the start. 🔺 A more expansive view of MEL that goes beyond grants to include turning the lens on your own performance as a funder, as well as looking outwards at the wider evidence or insights which can inform what you do. 🔺 Considering different aspects of proportionality and adapting requirements accordingly. 🔺 Questioning default approaches, such as grant reporting, to identify the kinds of evidence that can most meaningfully respond to what you need and want to know. 🔺 Investing in analysis to make the most of data and creating time and space for learning. 🔺 Sharing the power by bringing in other voices, with special care paid to how these can bring the most value and be suitably compensated. There’s lots of very practical guidance on how to do these things. We’re also hosting a session in February if you’re interested to reflect on what this could mean for your own work (link below). Grateful to all those whose input has helped shape the work, which included many charities and funders (a non-exhaustive list below), not to mention many generous colleagues. Thanks too to PwC UK Foundation for the support. Look forward to hearing thoughts and feedback. The report may be done but no doubt our thinking will continue to evolve. cc my wonderful co-authors Sarah Denselow Emma Pearson Erwin Hieltjes
