While it is clear that the topic of learning remains of great importance to the social sector, many organizations, including those in the public and private sectors, seem to be stuck on operationalizing what it means to engage in and support intentional learning in their organizations. We hope this...

Community engagement is about ensuring that those most impacted by social challenges have a say in designing and implementing solutions. The participation of intended beneficiaries and their families, neighbors, and trusted leaders can be an integral part of data-driven processes to achieve better...

This is a list of 27 indicators of effectiveness for backbone organizations, produced by FSG and Greater Cincinnati Foundation. This includes topics like strategy, alignment, shared measurement practices, and...

System mapping is a process often cited in social change literature as an effective way to infuse systems thinking into strategy development and evaluation efforts. However, there is a dearth of practical “how to” guides to help stakeholders apply the principles of systems thinking to their...

The concept of an ecocycle draws on biological research into the closed-loop system of development, conservation, destruction, and renewal that is seen in natural (ecological) systems. The ecocycle suggests that the long-term sustainability of adaptive organizations requires that elements of those...