Reference Library
M&E concepts, methods, and frameworks
A searchable wiki with 150+ entries covering the M&E fundamentals, from theory of change to disaggregation.
M&E Resources
The indicators, definitions, templates, and reference materials every M&E team rebuilds from scratch. Already done. Free to use.
Featured resources
Two starting points, so nothing here begins on a blank page.
Decision Guides
Side-by-side comparisons for common M&E choices
Clear comparisons and decision frameworks for the trade-offs M&E teams hit most often, grouped by hub.
Indicator Library
4,300+ curated indicators across 18 sectors, 3 languages.
OpenProposal Hub
Decision guides, AI prompts, and vocabulary for proposal writing.
OpenAI Guides
Step-by-step AI workflows for every major M&E task.
OpenDownloads
Ready-to-use templates and checklists in Word, Excel, and PDF.
OpenPick your starting point
Three common starting points, each with a short sequence to follow.
Path 01 · New to M&E
Learn the fundamentals
- Read the method guides
- Look up unfamiliar terms in the glossary
- Pick a decision guide when stuck
Path 02 · Writing a proposal
Get the M&E section right
- Browse proposal decision guides
- Copy an M&E section template
- Use the AI prompt library for drafting
Path 03 · Using AI
Bring AI into your M&E work
- Pick a playbook for your task
- Use the copy-paste prompt templates
- Review data governance first
Recently added
Fresh entries, decision guides, and playbooks from across the library.
Outcome Harvesting
A retrospective evaluation approach that identifies, verifies, and analyses outcomes that have occurred, then determines whether and how the program contributed to them.
Evaluation Criteria (DAC)
The OECD-DAC framework provides six standard criteria, relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability, for systematically assessing the merit and value of development interventions.
Evaluation Matrix
A structured mapping document that links each evaluation question to its data sources, collection methods, indicators, and analysis approach, the operational blueprint for executing an evaluation.
Observation Methods
A systematic approach to collecting data by directly watching and recording behaviors, interactions, and processes as they occur in natural settings.
Census vs Sample: When to Use Each in M&E
A census measures every unit in a population; a sample measures a representative subset. This guide explains the trade-offs in cost, precision, and inference, and how to decide which approach fits your program.
Donor Reporting: Requirements, Formats, and Best Practices
Donor reporting communicates program progress, results, and financial information to funders according to their specific requirements. This guide covers what goes in a donor report and how to meet common funder expectations.
M&E Framework
The structured document specifying what will be measured, how, by whom, and how often.
Means of Verification (MoV)
The specific data source and method that will be used to measure each logframe indicator: survey, administrative record, third-party data, document review. The difference between a logframe that can be verified and one that cannot.
Outcome Indicator
An indicator measuring applied change in participants or beneficiaries: behavior, practice, capability, capacity, or condition that has shifted as a result of program activity. Sits above output indicators and below impact indicators in the results chain.