Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

Our Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Framework guides our evolving practice. This was refreshed during the year, drawing on insights gained through an exploration on best practice in understanding impact. We shared the findings of this exploratory research in three reports for the sector.

The MEL framework includes tracking internal and external data; outcomes harvesting to understand the impact of our grants; an annual applicant survey; ‘real-time’ survey of users via our 0800 number and Funding Hub (commenced October 2022); sharing grantee stories and case studies (eg. Kelp Gardeners for G.I.F.T); staff learning programme; and ongoing discussions with stakeholders to get external feedback.

Our Centre for Social Impact (CSI) continues to support our research and evaluation work. Through the year this included a report for the Foundation on Understanding Impact and the continuing Ngā Tau Tuangahuru (longitudinal Māori and Pacific Education Initiative study), with reports published providing guidance for funders investing in Pacific success in Aotearoa, sharing Pacific families perspective on Pacific success, and exploring cultural connectedness with Pacific youth. The final GIFT Year 5 report was published, drawing together the impact of a five-year initiative to test, scale and create new systems to restore the mauri of Tīkapa Moana/Te Moananui-ā-Toi (the Hauraki Gulf).

CSI also continued to collaborate with others on progressing the implementation of the National Action Plan for Community Governance (now led by Community Governance Aoteaora) and actively supported the Combined Community Trusts’ Climate Change working group with their mahi, including the publication of Climate Action resources for funders.

CSI’s Te Pūaha o te Ako, knowledge and practice hub, provides a platform for sharing what the Centre is seeing and learning as it works with funders, community organisations and changemakers to support their social impact journey. Te Pūaha o te Ako aims to support effective social change and build effective and impactful practice. Search filters allow users to identify available content by topic (e.g. strategy design, evaluation, early years) or specific types of resources, such as toolkits or reports. The first CSI Te Pūaha Insight report was released into trends and practices in contemporary philanthropy, drawing on a report commissioned from CSI by the JR McKenzie Trust.