The evolution of monitoring and evaluation to enable funding for impact
The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) unit was established with the primary purpose of measuring the impact of funding. In addition, the unit seeks to work with grantees in an enabling capacity to support and enhance positive outcomes while facilitating the sustainability of their endeavours.
Pre-2014
The M&E unit was established with the primary purpose of measuring the impact of funding. In addition, the unit seeks to work with grantees in an enabling capacity to support and enhance positive outcomes while facilitating the sustainability of their endeavours.
2014
M&E unit established
Once the unit was established, an M&E framework was developed to outline how the function would be rolled out and implemented to maximise its impact.
2016
Funding for impact
In 2016, the NLC revised the underpinning philosophy of its funding model based on the principle of funding for impact. As a result, monitoring and evaluation had to be conducted differently. The unit no longer focused solely on monitoring how funding was used. Instead, the M&E unit expanded its focus to include evaluating the outcomes of funding provided by the NLC.
The intention was to enable the channelling of funds to catalytic projects and programmes, leading to positive social change and community upliftment. This called for a much more systematic and deliberate approach to grant-making that enabled the NLC to do more with less. This outcomes-based focus led to the formulation of strategic M&E processes, which have been further refined and developed since inception.
Looking ahead
The M&E function continually seeks ways to streamline its processes to enhance reach. Utilising technology to automate and improve data collection and analysis will be a priority area going forward.
The NLC is also committed to developing M&E practice in South Africa; for this reason, we are corporate members of the South African Monitoring and Evaluation Association of South Africa (SAMEA) and provide learning and training opportunities to M&E staff through SAMEA and institutions of higher learning.
« Previous Next »