Support direct services

3-5 years

Lower investment risk; addresses immediate need but doesn’t change underlying conditions

Impact can be most directly attributable to funder’s investment; results are usually observable/measurable

Existence of known, cost-effective tools, programs, or services

Build sector capacity/systems

5 years +

Higher investment risk/uncertainty of results; potential for more sustainable change

More difficult to measure impact directly; harder to attribute

Knowledge and analysis of key players and respective roles within system

Innovate/R&D

5-10 years +

High investment risk; breakthrough could lead to widespread change over the long term

Funder must be comfortable that the end result may only improve knowledge of what doesn’t work

Patient capital; access to sector-specific, technical knowledge

Advocate/change policy

1-10 years +

High investment risk, potential reputational/political risk; breakthrough could lead to widespread change over the long term

More difficult to measure impact directly; harder to attribute

Strong alignment with values and mission to persevere over time and controversy; willingness to work in partnerships