Evaluating what works to change norms and strengthen governance systems

John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, On Nigeria” Evaluation and Learning Partner (2016-2025)

EnCompass has served as the monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) partner for the Foundation’s ‘On Nigeria’ initiative, which supports 80+ grantees across shifting strategy modules, including education and electricity, criminal justice, media and journalism, and behavior and social norms. Working closely with the Foundation, our team co-developed and refreshed the portfolio’s theory of change; designed and ran the portfolio’s Evaluation & Learning framework with anti-corruption indicators and a learning agenda; and conducted a mixed-methods baseline (public opinion polling, media monitoring, interviews, focus groups, document review). Using outcome harvesting, process tracing, and network analysis, we linked grant-level results-investigations, litigation, civic campaigns-to system shifts in policy and enforcement, resource recovery, and norms. Through evidence-to-action workshops, portfolio reviews, and decision-focused learning briefings, we informed grantmaking adjustments and risk management. In parallel, our MEL clinics, coaching, and data visualization support strengthened grantee capacity across the portfolio.