Equitable Evaluation Initiative

Beth Willet Jones of Greater Clark Foundation and Candace Malone of Kansas Health Foundation joined Kerry McHugh of us (??) for a panel on Being, Thinking, and Doing Differently in Philanthropy at #PEAKnola2025. The conversation came with “AHAs” and “OH NOs” and “What’s next?”—some of our favorites. Safe travels home from PEAK Grantmaking’s gathering, everyone!

When work is fun ?? Catch Kerry McHugh alongside several EEF Practitioners at #Peak2025Nola. #ShowUsYourPractice ??

Will you be at the PEAK Grantmaking 2025 convening in New Orleans later this month? So will we! Join Kerry McHugh and Equitable Evaluation Framework Practitioners as they discuss how they are being, thinking, and doing differently in philanthropy. #PEAK2025nola

Part of being in a community of practice for the Equitable Evaluation Framework (EEF) is to share a space to reimagine what is possible in philanthropy together. Our community is our power, and we stand at nearly 200 people from over 60 foundations across the U.S. Together, we can think be, think, and do differently.

The?Equitable Evaluation Framework (EEF)?was born out of a desire to be, think, and do differently. We recognized that how we understand ourselves, our current conditions, and even our possibilities is grounded in the past. The EEF helps contextualize and reflect the multiplicity of the human experience. Regardless of our spheres of influence, we have a responsibility to determine if what we hold so tightly is still relevant and aligns with our intentions, values, and the efforts in which we are engaged. And if not, how might we make it moreso? The practice of the EEF invites us to become more comfortable with nuance and deepen our understanding of what informs our choices, decisions, and actions, then shift accordingly. The complexity of our times necessitates evolving?how we think and how we show up. A different future requires practice and community. As this year begins, we are inspired by the?hundreds of individuals and organizations?embracing the practice of the EEF and the possibility of a different and better future. Join us in this new year: https://lnkd.in/gqEP8Kfp.

We're back from American Evaluation Association's conference, feeling connected and inspired. When we can climb out of the Zoom boxes and see Equitable Evaluation Framework Practice Partners and Practitioners in real life, it's always a good time. #EEF #Philanthropy #AEA

When accepting the Alva and Gunnar Myrdal Evaluation Practice?Award at the American Evaluation Association Conference, EEI Founder Jara Dean-Coffey (she/her/hers) reminded us that "For the majority of us, all these rules were made up by other people in other times with hidden purposes and mindsets that seek control and certainty over clarity and curiosity. It is up to us to embrace the the complexity and multiplicity of the world and to bring our fullest humanity. There is simply too much at stake." Congratulations on the award, jdc! And thanks for the reminder. #AEA #Philanthropy

Last week, we completed our fifth and final (!) Affinity Group conversation for this year. During these conversations, Equitable Evaluation Framework Practitioners come together across classes to explore some of the technical and tactical applications of the EEF. This conversation with the Health Equity Funders Affinity Group took a deep dive on Principle 2, exploring different methods and approaches in alignment with the EEF. (Explore the EEF Principles at https://lnkd.in/gKnf3V22.) Say HI to folks from Michigan Health Endowment Fund, Missouri Foundation for Health, Michigan Fitness Foundation, and Kansas Health Foundation. #Philanthropy #EEF

At the National Conference for Growing Community Foundations hosted by the Kansas Association for Community Foundations, EEF Practitioners Candace Malone from Kansas Health Foundation, Jane Mosley from Children's Services Fund of Jackson County, and Nadine Long from Sauerwein-Long Consulting shared their experiences on the Equitable Evaluation Framework in practice. Thanks for spreading the good word, friends! #Philanthropy #EEF

Sometimes, we step out of Zoom boxes and find ourselves in Traverse City, Michigan. We’ll call this “EEI: On the Road.” Enjoyed our conversation with Equitable Evaluation Framework Practitioners at the gathering of Council of Michigan Foundations. Special thanks to Art with The Kresge Foundation, Marci with Michigan Fitness Foundation, and Steven with Michigan Health Endowment Fund for sharing how they practice the EEF.