Koondee Woonga-gat Toor-rong (KWT) Impact Assessment Tool and Framework Report
The KWT Fund
https://www.kwtfund.org.au/
Who funded the project
The KWT Fund, recognising the need to centre Indigenous perspectives in its philanthropic efforts, sought to create a grant making impact assessment tool that respects and incorporates these principles.
The KWT Fund is committed to supporting projects that contribute to the wellbeing of Indigenous communities, preserve cultural heritage, foster sustainable development, and promote self-determination.
The rationale for developing an Indigenous philanthropic grant making Impact Assessment Tool is multi-fold. Firstly, the current lack of such a tool signifies a gap in respecting and promoting Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. Secondly, it acknowledges the unique requirements of Indigenous philanthropy and, more importantly, the diverse contexts and expectations of Indigenous communities. Lastly, the Impact Assessment Tool can provide a more accurate and culturally sensitive measure of the impact of philanthropic efforts, enabling the KWT Fund and other philanthropic organisations to better understand and enhance their contributions to Indigenous communities.
Summary
To achieve this outcome, Karabena Consulting was contracted to deliver the following activities:
Undertake a 3000 word literature review
Deliver a draft Impact Assessment Tool and Framework to the KWT committee for feedback and refining.
Evaluate two grant projects utilising the Framework.
Present findings to the KWT committee.
Finalise the Impact Assessment Tool and Framework, and handover to the KWT committee.
Project Aims
Developed an Impact Assessment Tool for Indigenous philanthropic giving.
Detailed how the Impact Assessment Tool could be used by KWT and by other philanthropic organisations to see the benefit and impact of their giving over time.
Methodologies
Internal Impact Assessment Tool to use in appreciating the short-medium and long-term impact of giving initiatives.
To change the deficit focus to one of strength, facilitating Indigenous data sovereignty and aspirations focused work
Methodological outcomes
A report and the Impact Assessment Tool was provided to KWT to support them understand the value of their commissioning work.
The proposed Impact Assessment Tool offers a systematic way to evaluate and measure the impact of philanthropic initiatives with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Victoria.
By embodying the principles of Indigenous self-determination, cultural sensitivity, collaboration, and long-term impact, the Impact Assessment Tool aims to foster significant change, empower Indigenous communities, and drive continuous improvement in Indigenous philanthropy practices, and has relevance to other commissioning agencies that operate in the sector.
Project Outputs
In addition to developing the Impact Assessment Tool for the KWT fund, this review has broader implications for the field of Indigenous philanthropy. By designing an assessment tool that thoroughly respects and incorporates Indigenous knowledge systems and values, the KWT Fund can establish a novel benchmark for others in the field. This tool could serve as a model for other funds and grant-makers striving to evaluate their impact in alignment with Indigenous values and in respect of Indigenous rights.
Project Outcomes
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