Insights & Perspectives An Evaluator’s Guide to Engaging ‘Non-Data People’ in Interpretation and Use of Findings While we know that meaningfully including and centering the voices of stakeholders, partners, and community members in the evaluation process is crucial (and was in fact, the theme of the 2024 American Evaluation Association (AEA) Annual Conference), in practice, it can often prove challenging. Including non-evaluators can increase buy-in to…
Insights & Perspectives Localization in Evaluation: A Three-Part Series As the world evolves at an unprecedented pace, our approach to program evaluation must evolve with it. Localization—an intentional adaptation of evaluation processes to authentically reflect the cultural, social, and contextual realities of the communities involved—has emerged as a powerful strategy. By prioritizing local knowledge and expertise, localized evaluation offers…
Insights & Perspectives Solutions Start with Communities Modern philanthropy has long been guided by “benevolent distance”- credentialed experts operating from boardrooms, academic halls, and foundation offices designing solutions to poverty, racism, disease, and other societal challenges that would succeed if only communities would follow their carefully prescribed approaches.
Insights & Perspectives The Power of External Review Committees in Community-Centered Grantmaking Centering communities in grantmaking isn’t just an ideal in today’s philanthropic world—it’s essential. Innovative funders recognize that true impact comes not from simply working in communities, but by partnering with them as active collaborators in shaping lasting change. Community members bring invaluable lived experience to the table; their insights reveal…
Insights & Perspectives Real-World Responses to Integrating Communications for Greater Social Impact Many communications professionals feel siloed within their organizations, unable to fully integrate with program teams to effectively drive the organization’s mission forward. To address this challenge, we interviewed ten communications professionals at foundations and non-profits to identify integration methods that foster thoughtful communications outputs and greater philanthropic impact. We recently…
Our Team Steven Field Delivering strategic, trust-based grants solutions through innovative problem-solving Integrating insights from his experience in community health work, student leadership development, and nonprofit resource mobilization, Steven approaches challenges at TCC Group with a multidimensional and innovative problem-solving skillset. Through the adaptability strengthened by fast-paced nonprofit environments, he applies his diverse skill…
Resources The Power of Games for Social Impact: Webinar Series Gaming is no longer just for play—it’s becoming a measurable force for impact on education, health, and social change. Our webinar series will explore how funders, developers, and organizations can strategically harness and evaluate gaming’s potential for lasting social change. Episode 1: Featuring Glenn Gillis, CEO, Sea Monster Entertainment Gaming’s…
Insights & Perspectives Amplifying and Empowering Voices in Evaluation: A Resource Guide We’re excited to once again present multiple sessions at the American Evaluation Association’s Evaluation 2024. This year’s theme, Amplifying and Empowering Voices in Evaluation resonates deeply with our efforts in centering community in evaluative work, and we look forward to sparking engaging discussions, challenging conventional thinking, and showcasing innovative approaches to elevating…
Insights & Perspectives Game Changers: Unlocking Gaming’s Potential for Good I’ve spent the past year diving deeply into the world of gaming and social impact. Starting with a literature review, what I found offered me tantalizing evidence that games can and do affect aspects of change[1]. Research study after research study demonstrated that it can and does affect change –…
Events The Power of Games for Social Impact Join our Evaluation and Learning Senior Consultant Charles Gasper and Sea Monster Entertainment’s Glenn Gillis for a dynamic conversation exploring how the gaming industry’s rapid growth and mainstream appeal can be leveraged as a tool for social change. October 21st, 1:00 ET What We’ll Cover: Gaming’s untapped potential: Discover how…