International Initiative for Impact Evaluation

The International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie) advances the generation and use of evidence so that development programs are better designed and implemented effectively. 3ie's early work focused on filling the large evidence gaps in international development by funding impact evaluations. As more evidence and evaluations have become available, 3ie has changed to focus on filling thematic gaps, improving the quality and relevance of research, ensuring improved access to and use of evidence, and expanding the frontiers of evidence research in low- and middle-income countries. It partners institutions and countries working to promote evidence-informed decision making. 3ie is evolving from being mainly a funder and quality assurer of large evidence programs to a funded partner to development organizations and governments that can help address the needs where they are most acute and strengthen institutional evidence systems and cultures. (Strategy: Evidence-Informed Policymaking)

The Hewlett Foundation is a founding member of the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie), an organization dedicated to generating evidence through rigorous impact evaluations of social and economic development programs in low- and middle-income countries. In just a few short years, 3ie has established itself as a large and well-respected supporter of rigorous impact studies, with an anticipated 140 evaluations under way. Over the next two years 3ie will transition into its second multi-year strategy. 3ie will continue sponsoring the production of new evidence, consolidate its efforts to build researchers’ capacity to produce high-quality studies, and emphasize the use of evidence to improve development policy.

The Hewlett Foundation is a founding member of the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie), an organization dedicated to generating evidence through rigorous impact evaluations of social and economic development programs in low- and middle-income countries. In just its first three years, 3ie has funded more than seventy new impact studies, has commissioned over 100 reviews of existing research, and has infused the evaluation community with new energy to ensure that research findings go beyond dissemination and are used by the policymakers who can ensure that development resources are allocated to the most effective programs. Continued support from the Foundation is critical as 3ie solidifies its reputation, builds its institutional capacity, and strengthens the links between building evidence and influencing policy.