Policy Research
Turning field evidence into smarter, more effective humanitarian policy.
Good Intentions Aren't Enough Evidence Is
Humanitarian and development work is full of approaches that sound right but don't actually deliver results, while resources to help people remain scarce and urgently needed elsewhere. Our Policy Research work exists to close that gap rigorously testing what actually works, and using that evidence to shape smarter programs and policy, both our own and across the wider sector.
We study our programs closely, using systematic research and evaluation to understand not just whether an intervention works, but why. In some cases, this has meant moving away from long-standing "best practices" that sounded reasonable but lacked evidence, in favor of approaches that are less common but far better supported by data. We also analyze cost-effectiveness, helping ensure that limited humanitarian resources go toward the interventions with the greatest real-world impact.
Beyond our own programs, we share these findings publicly publishing research, cost analyses and policy recommendations for policymakers, donors and fellow humanitarian organizations. Because when evidence about what works is kept private, everyone ends up solving the same problems from scratch.
How We Approach Policy Research
Evidence-Based Program Design
Grounding interventions in rigorous evidence about what actually improves outcomes for people in crisis.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Studying which interventions deliver the greatest impact per resource spent, to guide smarter funding decisions.
Public Research & Publications
Sharing findings, evaluations and policy briefs so the wider humanitarian sector can learn and improve.
Policy Advocacy
Translating research findings into concrete recommendations for governments, donors and institutions.
Our Vision
A world where every person lives with dignity, free from poverty and injustice.
Our Mission
To empower communities through education, health, governance and humanitarian action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Research studies, program evaluations, cost-effectiveness analyses and policy recommendations grounded in field evidence.
Our own program teams, along with policymakers, donors and other humanitarian organizations looking to improve their approaches.
Resources for crisis response are limited understanding which interventions deliver the most impact per dollar helps stretch that support further.
Yes. In some cases, evidence has shifted programs away from long-standing practices toward approaches with stronger proven results.
Yes. Findings are shared publicly so the broader humanitarian field can learn from what works and what doesn't.
Through donations, partnerships or volunteering your expertise. Visit our How to Help page to learn more.
