268: Transforming Evaluation Practice and Procurement: Can the Systems Learning Studio Shift Power in Philanthropy?

Can a new model for evaluation practice and procurement shift power in philanthropy and advance equity? This Think Tank invites participants to explore the Systems Learning Studio™, a field-building approach currently being piloted within the health and social impact sector. The Studio reframes evaluation as collaborative storytelling—led by those most affected by the work—and redistributes power by redefining roles, disrupting procurement norms, and elevating positionality as currency. After a brief orientation to the model and how it is being used to operationalize equity, participants will break into small groups to explore key questions: What would it take for funders to adopt this model? How can communities authentically lead in evaluation? What does it mean to create a marketplace for equitable evaluation? Groups will reconvene to share insights and collectively assess the promise—and challenges—of transforming evaluation from the ground up.