Disconfirming evidence in philanthropy - a Firetail article in the Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR)
“It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so.”
In this article in the Stanford Social Innovation Review, Firetail CEO Andy Martin and Kecia Bertermann explore the challenge of "disconfirming evidence" and why it matters in grant making and philanthropy. Other sectors have tools, structures and cultural norms to tackle confirmation bias. Grantmaking and philanthropy seems much less mature, which presents a real opportunity for the sector.
Embracing uncertainty and the iterative nature of philanthropic work can lead ultimately, to greater impact.
This is an area Firetail has been exploring for some time. We would welcome thoughts and perspectives from colleagues in the field, and how you think about this problem.
Read the article here.