Strategy-level theories of change require a focus on systems change: An actor-based approach can help

This essay makes the case that an actor-based approach to theory of change development can assist philanthropic foundations to shift from their conventional approaches of supporting stand-alone grants or siloed programmes to strategies that focus collective efforts across a range of partners on achieving systems change. It presents the concept of an actor-based approach to theory of change development and provides an illustrative example to demonstrate its suitability. The essay then contends that evaluators can play a strong role in this process, but it will require some shifts in how evaluators typically engage with foundations. Namely, evaluators need to be engaged earlier and integrated into the strategy design process; evaluators need to adopt a design mindset as well as an evaluation mindset; and evaluators must embrace the uncertainty of engaging in systems change efforts, supporting foundation teams towards an appreciation of collective efforts and the need to generate learning to adapt and improve.

Num Pages: 10