Research, Learning, & Evaluation Catalyzing the Foundation’s strategy and facilitating learning in the Kansas City region and beyond Strategic priorities Operating programs Grantmaking Research, learning, and evaluation (RLE) in grantmaking are essential for understanding community needs, assessing the impact of funded initiatives, and informing strategic decision making. These processes ensure that resources are effectively allocated to maximize positive outcomes and drive continuous improvement. Through transparency, rigor, inclusivity, and responsiveness, we aim to ensure accountability, build trust, and acknowledge diverse perspectives. Our guiding principles Learn more about Research, Learning, & Evaluation (RLE) Our efforts span across three core functions: Research We systemically investigate critical questions to uncover patterns, trends, and solutions that inform our strategies and practices. Learning We foster an environment of continuous knowledge sharing and capacity building to stay informed, innovative, and adaptable in a rapidly changing landscape. Evaluation We measure outcomes and processes to identify strengths and areas for growth, assessing the effectiveness and impact of our initiatives.