Too often, evaluation is placed onto nonprofits by funders with limited resources to meaningfully engage with it. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Nonprofits and fundraising professionals can take back control of the evaluation and learning process. Evaluation and learning can be used by nonprofits to connect with their purpose, understand their impact, and connect with their communities. By doing this, nonprofits can more effectively tell their story and engage with funders that are aligned with their mission, rather than trying to align with funders’ mission and evaluation expectations. In this session, we’ll explore how nonprofits can take control of the evaluation process, a framework for engaging in meaningful learning and evaluation, and how nonprofits can use this process to engage funders.
Laura Sundstrom is your partner on your organization’s learning journey. She is the Founder & Principal Consultant of Illuminary Perspectives based in Denver, CO. Laura elevates the expertise of the individuals and organizations she works with and those impacted by the work, all in service of strengthening process and impact. With over 15 years of experience in the evaluation and nonprofit fields, Laura brings a broad range of experience and expertise to her perspectives of evaluation and learning. She has worked in the fields of philanthropy, health care, housing, hunger, youth development, and violence prevention, to name a few. Laura holds a Bachelor’s in Women’s and Gender Studies from Beloit College and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Michigan.
Laura brings the curious and humble mindset of a learner to her work. Laura seeks to partner with individuals, organizations, and communities to advance their equity and justice goals, rather than enter as an “expert” seeking to determine what is good or bad. Through these partnerships, Laura is skilled at asking questions that challenge assumptions and spark deeper reflective.
Outside of learning and evaluation, Laura spends her time staying active and enjoying the beautiful hiking Colorado has to offer, teaching yoga and meditation, going on walks, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.