Designing a learning-focused monitoring and evaluation system for a multi-regional grantmaking program
The challenge
The Porticus Igniting Workers’ Rights Programme is a five-year, multi-regional initiative involving around 45 grantee partners, from established international NGOs to grassroots, migrant-led organisations. Partners use organising, advocacy, service delivery, networking, and research to shift power, address systemic injustices, and strengthen workers’ rights.
To support this ambitious and diverse initiative, Porticus needed a monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) system that went beyond compliance. The system needed to focus on learning at all levels - grantee, funder, and program - and be flexible enough to accommodate the wide variation in partners’ work, contexts, and MEL capacity.
How we helped
In close consultation with both Porticus and grantee partners, we developed a learning-focused and methods-neutral MEL system designed to move away from traditional top-down approaches. Instead, we supported partners to focus on what mattered most to them: their own learning priorities and strategic questions. We also encouraged Porticus to engage in the same MEL practices it asked of its partners, building mutual accountability into the heart of the MEL system.
For partners, we provided tailored support in their preferred language to build MEL capacity at the right level for each organisation. This included help to develop practical MEL plans and simple theories of change, troubleshooting MEL challenges, facilitating strategic planning and reflection, and supporting a simplified outcomes harvesting process. For Porticus, we provided support to develop a MEL plan for the program management strategy, and led an annual feedback process to gather grantee perspectives.
Each year, we facilitated a joint MEL reporting process where Porticus, grantee partners, and our team shared data and reflections about our progress and outcomes. We synthesised these into annual learning summaries available to all program stakeholders, fostering transparency and shared ownership of learning across the program.
We also convened online and in-person learning spaces for grantee partners, creating opportunities to connect with others doing similar work, share experiences, and build solidarity. Special attention was given to creating safe, inclusive spaces for meaningful participation by migrant workers and refugee-led organisations.
Looking forward
The shift to a learning-focused MEL approach has had wide-reaching impacts. Grantee partners have told us this was the first time MEL support felt genuinely useful - rooted in their realities and focused on their goals. For many, our shared learning events were also the first spaces where migrant workers felt fully respected, heard, and included. Porticus found the process valuable in its journey toward more participatory, equitable, and reflective funding practice.
As one partner put it, “Lighthouse’s support allowed us to reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of our work and learn and improve… it represents great learning and enrichment.”
Another shared, “The meeting felt like a safe and secure bubble… This sense of trust stems from how seriously they addressed our concerns during the engagement stage.”
And from the funder’s perspective: “We’re not used to developing MEL plans for our own program strategy, so Lighthouse’s support was invaluable—it turned the tables and allowed us to show that we also have accountability.”
“These meet-ups have promoted a sense of community and belonging. It’s been a great opportunity for us domestic workers to form friendships, learn from one another, and find solidarity.”
“These activities have given us new strength and built solidarity. They remind me that, even though the challenges are great, there are people worldwide advocating and supporting each other. It is truly empowering.”
Client: Porticus
2022-2027
