Monitoring and Learning

Our Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Framework guides our evolving practice. This includes convening Ako (learning) sessions with staff and Trustees; tracking internal and external data; understanding the impact of our grants through outcomes harvesting and case studies; sharing grantee stories; an annual applicant survey; and seeking external feedback from stakeholders. Through the year we advanced our Te Tiriti journey through developing and progressing a Te Tiriti implementation plan which Trustees review annually. A climate change action plan was also agreed, to ensure a focus on mitigations and adaptations we can take and support in the face of the threats posed by climate change. As we seek to contribute towards better outcomes for present and future generations, we are increasingly aware of interconnectedness and interrelationships. We recognise the need to intentionally work towards being more integrated and holistic in our approach.

Our Centre for Social Impact (CSI) continues to support our research and evaluation work. This includes in-depth evaluations for Catalysts for Change, the continuing Ngā Tau Tuangahuru (longitudinal Māori and Pacific Education Initiative study), and annual GIFT report. On our behalf CSI updated a report on the Housing sector, prepared an exploratory report on Food Sovereignty and Equitable Food Systems, and on Emissions and Climate Change. The climate change report contributed to the collaborative climate change action of the Combined Community Trusts, including resources to support planning for a Net Zero future made available at www.climateactionaotearoa.co.nz. 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 supporttheir social impact journey. Te Pūaha o te Ako aims to support effective social change with information and engagement to build effective and impactful practice. Search filters allow users to identify all the available content by topic (e.g. systems change, evaluation, rangatahi) or specific types of resources, such as toolkits or reports.

On our behalf, CSI prepared an exploratory report on Working with Intermediaries and a report on the Housing landscape in Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Tai Tokerau. CSI also collaborated with others on a survey of 1,400+ community and voluntary sector organisations on the impacts of COVID-19 and the development and launch of a National Action Plan for Community Governance.