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The Equitable Evaluation Framework™ (EEF) is a set of Principles, Orthodoxies, Mindsets, Tensions, and Sticking Points.

The EEF offers guidance, context, and underpinnings to explore, question, learn, and unlearn in ways that help inform actions and decisions. The EEF invites alignment of purpose, process, and policies in philanthropy. It offers multiple entry points to shift the ways in which we practice our work. Practice allows time and space for making the EEF real.

Grounded primarily in the experience of institutional foundations within the United States from 2019—2023, the Equitable Evaluation Framework™ (EEF) challenges us to be explicit and intentional about axiology (what we determine to be right), ontology (what we believe to be true/reality), and epistemology (what is evidence/knowledge).

Overview & Grounding

A graphic document with the word "Read"

The Elements of the EEF

illustration of a document

Overview of the Elements

Overview of how the elements make up the EEF and work together.

Mindsets are various illustrations showing vines, squiggly lines, and ideas

Mindsets

An established set of mental attitudes to be shifted toward.

Can help traverse the Orthodoxies.

illustration of the EEF Principles, which looks like a guidepost with roots

EEF Principles

Three Principles serve as the foundational guideposts of the EEF.

Tensions are illustrated as a tangled toggle

Tensions

Inherent strains to be named, navigated, and normalized. Can help traverse the Orthodoxies.

The orthodoxies are represented as vines, which makes it hard to see.

Orthodoxies

Tightly held beliefs to be questioned/challenged that can undermine the EEF Principles.

Sticking Points are illustrated as a squiggly line

Sticking Points

Obstacles or barriers to be moved through, over, under, or around. Can help traverse the Orthodoxies.

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