Philanthropies jointly develop evaluation practice for basic science investments through a cross-organization working group¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The brief describes a collaborative strategy in which philanthropic funders of basic or discovery science work together to solve a shared evaluation challenge: establishing that their investments contribute to advancing knowledge. Rather than each funder acting alone, the article reports that 'a working group of philanthropies and other organizations' is 'tackling this challenge together', and that the brief distills learning from those early efforts for wider use.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• A shared goal among funders, described in the article as a common aim to catalyze advances in knowledge that improve our lives by enhancing understanding of ourselves, our world and our universe

Constraints¶

Target Learners¶

• Philanthropic organizations and other funders of basic science research

Target Learning Goals¶

• Establishing that investments in basic science contribute to advancing knowledge

Related Strategies¶

• Offer implications for funders and program implementers engaged in systems change
• Funders should develop learning goals, plan their M&E approach, and communicate expectations before releasing an RFP and awarding grants

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Clemencia Cosentino, Leslie Foster, Julia Klebanov. (2017). Evaluating Basic Science Investments: Toward a More Robust Practice. Palo Alto, CA: Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. https://www.mathematica.org/publications/evaluating-basic-science-investments-toward-a-more-robust-practice