Evaluation of an impact investing field building program

Rockefeller Foundation

This report was used by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees to assess the Impact Investing Initiative and plan next steps in the field. It described the approach (strategies, results and work program); and further actions needed in the medium and long term to nurture and sustain the achievements of the Initiative, and more broadly the field of impact investing.

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Global review of the growth and evolution of impact investing

Rockefeller Foundation

Comprehensive scan of the evolution of the global impact investing field. The report introduces the structure of, and key actors in, the impact investing field; next, an examination of the achievements and challenges in building the impact investing marketplace; and presentation of a set of recommendations for accelerating the growth of the field.

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Developmental evaluation of an impact investing fund

Working Capital Fund

Co-leading a developmental evaluation with Humanity United’s impact investing fund focused on technology solutions for ethical corporate supply chains, including developing and refining a Theory of Change, impact due diligence, impact scoring, investee support, learning and evidence generation for internal and external audiences.

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Advisor on impact measurement trends, issues, field building

Rockefeller Foundation

Supported the Evaluation Office to understand, situate and engage with the impact measurement sector globally, by presenting and interpreting trends, and providing recommendations for collaboration and market building. Led the design and implementation of plenary, workshop and private sessions at prominent industry conferences.

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Impact investing strategy audit

NESTA and ITAD

Senior technical advisor on impact strategy audit of NESTA Impact Investing portfolio, which reviewed NII’s Impact Strategy in practice, and compared it to good practice from industry Impact Measurement and Management (IMM) frameworks and funds. The report highlights strengths of the existing approach, areas for improvement, and relevant lessons.

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Review of impact measurement approaches, tools, and methods

Impact Management Project

Supported the Project as a technical expert on impact measurement and evaluation. Identified, reviewed and catalogued over 100 impact measurement standards, methods, tools, and frameworks. Provided connections to global practitioners, experts, funders and networks in evaluation and impact investing.

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Impact measurement toolkit for ventures and investors

WCIF, HU, Laudes Foundation

Led practice research that provided new insights and actionable guidance for both ventures and investors committed to improving their impact measurement and management (IMM) practices and performance.

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Formative evaluation of a blended finance platform

Global Affairs Canada

Co-authored the formative evaluation of Convergence Blended Finance. Assessed progress on program outcomes, and findings and recommendations on efficiency, relevance, and sustainability.

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Theory of Change for an impact investing field-building initiative

MacArthur Foundation

Led the development of a theory of change to underpin a new $150MM global impact investing field-building initiative on catalytic capital, working closely with senior leadership and program staff to describe the program rationale, assumptions, components, and indicators. In addition to strengthening program design, provided guidance on implementation and evaluation priorities.

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Impact measurement capacity and coaching program for nonprofits

McConnell Foundation

Designed and implemented a coaching stream module for Innoweave, a national capacity development initiative. Developed and tested content on framing impact, defining outcomes, describing evidence of change, measurement approaches, decision-making, and organizational practices and evaluative culture. Providing strategic and technical support to coaches for new cohorts.

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Mapping the impact investment market in Canada

Purpose Capital / MaRS

Lead author of the State of the Nation Report, which provided the most comprehensive mapping and analysis of the Canadian impact investment sector. The report assessed current impact investing activity across sectors, regions and asset classes; identified trends, issues and challenges across market segments; and prioritized recommendations for the field.

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Guidebook on retail impact product development

Purpose Capital / CUCC

This guidebook highlights an opportunity for credit unions to address a gap that exists in the retail impact investing market in Canada, and provides a roadmap for financial institutions to design retail impact investing products. The Guidebook describes six product examples, and illustrates the product development roadmap for retail impact investment.

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Impact measurement use among impact investors

Purpose Capital / ESDC

The guide provides investors with an overview of social metrics for impact investing, an outline of the issues and challenges of social impact measurement, a summary of existing social impact measurement tools, and a description of how they are being used, and a set of diagnostic tools to help investors think through key questions and issues related to measurement.

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Social finance for settlement and integration

Purpose Capital / IRCC

This project maps the social finance landscape to evaluate the potential benefits of a social finance approach in settlement and integration. Explores approaches to leverage new funding sources; improve the sustainability and impact of service providers; and partnerships with the private sector to respond to the changing needs and demands.

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Developmental evaluation of a youth employment program

Rockefeller Foundation

Led the developmental monitoring and evaluation of the $10M youth employment program, including portfolio review and analysis; key-person interviews; theory of change analysis; and grantee/stakeholder convening. The M&E findings and recommendations informed the decision and design of the Foundation’s $100M Digital Jobs Africa Initiative.

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Thematic review of a youth employment program portfolio

MasterCard Foundation

Led the thematic review of the US $177 million youth livelihoods portfolio that synthesized findings and lessons from the Foundation and other actors in Africa. The review involved extensive primary and secondary research, including over 120 project documents from 29 projects, staff interviews, and a literature review of over 90 external publications.

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Scaling and evaluating youth social entrepreneurship

Digital Opportunity Trust

Advisor on impact measurement and social entrepreneurship for DOT, which is growing a youth-led movement of daring social innovators who have the tools, knowledge, and networks to create opportunities and transform their own communities. Engaged with senior leadership at HQ and country teams, and with youth entrepreneurs in Africa.

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Scaling an agri-business franchise in East Africa

Farm Shop / IDRC / CBU

Advisor (scaling strategies, finance, impact) to Cape Breton University-led project on Farm Shop - a network of retailers that provides advice to farmers and distributes farm inputs, or products, in rural areas. This action research project has generated new insights on how to scale an agri-business social franchise business model in East Africa.

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