Helping philanthropic funders to understand impact

In 2022, Foundation North commissioned our Centre for Social Impact (CSI) to strengthen our practices in understanding the impact of our funding and non-funding activities.

In the course of their research, CSI associates interviewed local and international funders and evaluators, reviewed relevant literature and explored Te Tiriti o Waitangi implications for understanding impact.

Guided and inspired by this new body of good practice, leading thinking and Te Tiriti considerations, we ran workshops with our Trustees and staff, culminating in an updated framework for our monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) mahi.

Wanting to share the findings from this helpful enquiry into impact with our fellow philanthropic funders, we asked CSI to draw on their research to publish three short reports for the sector.

These ‘Understanding impact in philanthropy’ reports are now available in Te Pūaha o te Ako, CSI’s online knowledge and practice hub supported by Foundation North and were launched at the Philanthropy New Zealand Conference in September 2023 by Karinia Lee and Rachael Trotman from CSI.

Understanding impact in philanthropy: Te Tiriti o Waitangi considerations 

This report highlights Te Tiriti o Waitangi considerations for understanding impact in mainstream (non-Iwi based) philanthropy.

Understanding impact in philanthropy: Foundations

A ‘101’ introduction to understanding impact; issues, approaches and their pros and cons, and basic good practice.

Understanding impact in philanthropy: Leading practice 

A think piece sharing latest trends and practice in understanding impact.