Measure impact
To measure is to know. This is why we evaluate the impact of our programmes as well as that of the projects and individuals who benefit from our support. These evaluations enable us to learn from our beneficiaries and to learn lessons that enable us to do even better in the future.
Four dimensions
We evaluate four aspects of impact, which are linked to our working practices:
- empowering organisations and individuals
- raising awareness and improving knowledge about problems in society
- contributing to changing attitudes and behaviour
- initiating government action.
Evaluation by level
We conduct evaluations at project level as well as that of project calls and themes. Every three years we conduct a large-scale survey among all of the people and organisations we have supported. We ask them, for instance, what changes they have brought about, to what extent they have reached their target group, and how their collaboration with the foundation has worked out.
Irrespective of whether the results of these evaluations are positive or negative, they always provide a wealth of information that helps us to refine our methods of work and to think about other approaches for the future.
Strategic learning
Social problems are both complex and tenacious. It is therefore not sufficient to measure indicators in order to evaluate the impact of our projects and programmes. Like other foundations, we travel the road of experimentation and collaborative apprenticeship. Our committees analyse and debate the progress on various initiatives, they discuss projects that have not achieved their objectives, and envisage other ways of working in the future. Falling down always helps us to get up again better.