| Roundtable: From Insight to Action: New Directions in Foundation Evaluation |
| Roundtable Presentation 515 to be held in Jefferson Room on Friday, November 9, 9:25 AM to 10:10 AM |
| Presenter(s): |
| Rebecca Graves, Foundation Strategy Group Social Impact Advisors, becca.graves@fsg-impact.org |
| Leigh Fiske, Foundation Strategy Group Social Impact Advisors, leigh.fiske@fsg-impact.org |
| Abstract: What does “evaluation” mean to foundations and how can foundations use evaluation to continuously improve results from philanthropic investments? This session will explore FSG's recent study of practical evaluation approaches that serve to improve foundations' effectiveness – rather than simply documenting what happened as the result of individual grants. Several examples will be shared, from foundations of all sizes and types. FSG believes the foundation field as a whole needs to develop better ways of sharing successful evaluation techniques, so that individual funders can understand the range of choices, and identify which approach best fits their purpose. Our hope is that FSG's research can be the starting point for a process of organizing and sharing simple, timely, and useful techniques for evaluation that can help foundations achieve greater social impact. Roundtable participants will be asked to talk about evaluation processes that have led to more informed decision-making. |