This global study shows how leading philanthropic foundations are harnessing monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) activities to drive strategic decision-making and support efforts to drive systemic change. It is based on in-depth interviews with 11 leading foundations and a literature review. Case studies of 10 foundations are included in the study. 

The findings are instructive in documenting key lessons from real-world practice and in providing a sense of trends and benchmarks for the sector. The study finds that the most successful foundations have embedded a culture of learning and adaptation.

Ten key themes emerge from the study.

1. It’s not MEL, it’s SMEL – Strategy, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning
2. MEL teams play a 'critical friend role
3. Methodological flexibility is essential
4. Evidence must be 'useful and used'
5. A 'learning culture' is essential
6. MEL needs a (senior) seat at the table
7. Building grantee evidence literacy is key to advancing impact
8. Contribution, rather than attribution, takes centre stage in complex systems
9. External 'learning partners' play an important role
10. Communications is an important 'tool for impact'.