Project Evident

Want to learn a bit more about the work Project Evident’s Equitable Outcomes Wallet team does? Program Associate Sara Molho recently sat down with  technical assistance partner Sara Plachta Elliott, Ph.D. to discuss her journey with community-based research and evaluation. Leaning on two-plus decades of experience as an evaluation and learning consultant and nonprofit leader, Dr. Elliott advocates for the important need for technical assistance in the nonprofit sector. “I find it fulfilling to be a resource for nonprofit leaders and staff. We all know how important data is for quality, accountability, and ongoing learning and improvement. Still, it's not always work that gets prioritized in the day-to-day busyness. Creating space for leaders to focus on this aspect of their work is rewarding.” Read the full Q&A here: https://lnkd.in/ePAdmAHA

2024 brought many gifts, but it also took away this bright star. Thank you for all you did for us Lola A. and thank you for sharing this clip The Aspen Institute.

Are you a school district leader ready to embrace a data-informed approach to budgeting and resource allocation that drives student outcomes? Then, you will want to learn more about our recently announced Reimagining Resource Allocation: An Approach to Improvement workshop in Austin, TX, from Feb. 3-5, 2025. We invite education leaders representing all district levels – from superintendent and treasurers to curricular and instructional – to join us for an informational webinar tomorrow, Dec. 13, from 12-12:30 p.m. ET/ 9-9:30 a.m. PT. Interested? Register here: https://lnkd.in/evj8yXJJ

Calling all education leaders at the local, state, and regional levels! Project Evident’s Education Agency Practice announced that it will host 𝙍𝙚𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙚 𝘼𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: 𝘼𝙣 𝘼𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙩𝙤 𝙄𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 in Austin, TX, from February 3-5, 2025. Click here to apply: https://lnkd.in/eqTb-PZi This exclusive opportunity offers: • Expert-led sessions on strategic resource allocation • Collaborative problem-solving with peer districts • Evidence-based frameworks for resource decisions • Tools for measuring initiative effectiveness • Full travel and accommodations for teams of 3-5 We are pleased to offer full sponsorship for a team of up to five representatives from each participating education agency or district, covering airfare, hotel accommodations, and registration costs. This offer will be extended to up to ten district teams. Early applications are encouraged as selections begin December 20, 2024. Join us for an informational webinar this Friday, December 13, from 12-12:30 p.m. ET to learn more: https://lnkd.in/evj8yXJJ #StrategicBudgeting #ProjectEvidentWorkshop #ResourceAllocation #StudentOutcomes

#SocialWorkers, #SocialService pros, #HumanServices managers, & #nonprofitleadership, explore #AI’s potential & hear about one #nonprofit’s experiences with AI at "Ethical AI in the Social Sector" (webinar), Dec. 10, 10 AM CT.   PRESENTERS 🔸 Sarah Di Troia, Managing Director, OutcomesAI, Project Evident 🔸 Smita Jain, Director, Data & Analytics, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth 🔸 Pahniti (Tom) Tosuksri, Director, Product Management, Grounded Solutions Network 🔸 Rachel Lauryn Wells, Director of Data Science Education, DataKind   RSVP: https://lnkd.in/dEnw7tCv   #SocialWork #MacroSocialWork #MacroSW #NASW #NSWM #SocialCurrent #ACOSA #CSWE #SocialWorkEd #SocialWorkersLead UMSL Community Innovation & Action Center

In this clip from last month's "Next Generation Now" webinar, AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith discusses how investing resources in evidence-based models is crucial in supporting nonprofits, social impact organizations, and federal agencies to achieve more equitable outcomes. For more of Michael's wisdom, check out his powerful chapter, "Systems Must Change: Dismantling, Disrupting, and Reimagining Evidence," in our book, "Next Generation Evidence: Strategies for More Equitable Social Impact." Download your free copy here: https://lnkd.in/eKAQ5P4C #NextGenEvidence #EvidenceBuilding #InvestInEvidence

I enjoyed the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management session with Dana Williamson, PhD, MPH and Nellie Moore talking about building evidence, highlighting themes from my chapter in the Brookings Next Generation Evidence book. In short, we need to support entrepreneurs developing and testing all sorts of approaches to solving social problems. Many ideas won’t work, but the more we test the more we learn, and the more likely we are to find ways to truly help those in need. And thanks to Tamar Bauer for setting it up! (My chapter is called "Building More Haystacks, Finding More Needles" if you're interested: https://lnkd.in/e975mvjh) - Project Evident

In this clip from our recent "Next Generation Now" webinar, Carrie S. Cihak makes a key point about why it's important to build a culture of learning that embraces null or negative evaluation results. For more insights from Carrie, check out her wonderful chapter, "Building Evidence and Advancing Equity: A Call to Action for Local Government," in our book, "Next Generation Evidence: Strategies for More Equitable Social Impact": https://lnkd.in/eKAQ5P4C #NextGenEvidence

Project Evident’s OutcomesAI initiative is collaborating with Schmidt Sciences, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, Google.org, and other leaders to explore emerging practices in AI grantmaking. By surfacing insights on how funders approach AI, we aim to support informed, impactful investment across the sector. Your perspective matters! If you’re involved in funding AI initiatives, we’d be grateful if you could share your insights through our survey. Your responses will help us better understand trends, challenges, and opportunities in AI grantmaking. Take the survey here: https://lnkd.in/e5XhiBgK The survey takes only 15–20 minutes, and your input will contribute to a valuable resource for the entire grantmaking community. Thank you for helping shape the future of AI in the social sector!

🎉 Excited to wrap up an inspiring Innovation to Evidence Convening led by Project Evident and hosted by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative! Over 3 days, 7 partnerships between school districts, implementation experts, and researchers from across the United States came together to craft sustainable plans for our final year of work together. Through discussions focused on using AI for quality improvement, monitoring and rapid cycle testing, and holistic systemic change, we’re building a future where every student thrives. Grateful for the collaboration and commitment from all involved! Learn more about our work: https://lnkd.in/gSBztP9M. #InnovationToEvidence #EducationTransformation #EducationalInnovation