Laudes Foundation — Developmental Evaluation of a Climate-to-Circular Economy Portfolio

9 Mar

Laudes Foundation | Global | 2022 - Ongoing

A multi-year developmental evaluation of a large international foundation's portfolio as it evolved from climate mitigation through circular economy and into just transition programming.

CONTEXT

This long-term engagement involved ongoing evaluation support for a complex, adaptive portfolio spanning multiple programme areas, geographies, and funding cycles.

MY ROLE

Research Analyst and Facilitator, embedded across annual evaluation cycles over three years.

APPROACH & KEY ACTIVITIES

• Analyzed 500+ outcomes annually using rubric-based frameworks and AI-assisted standardization tools

• Conducted 50+ key informant interviews with grantees, partners, and ecosystem actors across Europe, Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Americas

• Reviewed and coded 100+ documents annually including grantee reports, context monitoring materials, and strategic documents using Dedoose

• Co-led sensemaking sessions with programme teams and senior leadership to translate findings into strategic direction

• Produced top stories of change and context monitoring integration materials

• Supported ongoing evaluation question (EQ) alignment throughout the evaluation cycle

OUTCOME

Contributed to three consecutive annual learning cycles, supporting the foundation's strategic pivot toward just transition programming. Findings directly informed portfolio strategy and grantee support decisions.

SystemsChangeDevelopmentalEvaluationOutcomeHarvestingCircularEconomyJustTransitionFoundations