DOI
10.9707/1944-5660.1181
Key Points
· Learning is a key tool for foundations seeking to improve their effectiveness, and they are beginning to use evaluation to learn about and improve their strategies. The Colorado Trust took this a step further and integrated strategic learning into a grant strategy, including supporting learning coaches for 14 of their grantees.
· The strategic learning framework consisted of three steps: systematic data collection, collective interpretation of information, and the use of that interpretation to improve strategies.
· This article reviews four of the cases, including three grantees and the foundation as a case, identifying methods of learning and resulting changes in strategies.
· Effective strategic learning in real time requires a comprehensive approach where each element of a funding strategy is aligned around the concept of learning and putting learning to use.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Lynn, J., Kahn, R., Chung, P., & Downes, S. (2014). If You Build It, They Will Come: Creating the Space and Support for Real-Time Strategic Learning. The Foundation Review, 5(4). https://doi.org/10.9707/1944-5660.1181
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