Research and Evaluation

At MEF, we help public agencies and mission-aligned programs understand and maximize their impact through rigorous, actionable, and participatory research and evaluation. 

Wherever possible, we apply the most rigorous methods available to generate reliable evidence about what works, for whom, and under what conditions. This includes designing and implementing randomized controlled trials (RCTs), as well as quasi-experimental and mixed-method studies. We are also skilled at pairing impact analyses with in-depth implementation research to understand how programs operate in practice and to identify lessons that inform continuous improvement and future scaling. 

Our Approach  

Here at MEF, we work with clients at all stages of their research and evaluation journey—from those just getting started to those expanding or deepening their capacity.  

We are skilled at executing all phases of the project, from start to finish:   

• Design: Our team brings expertise in a wide range of methodologies—from small-scale implementation studies to large-scale impact evaluations. We collaborate closely with clients to ensure each study design aligns with their goals and learning priorities. 
• Study: We draw on both qualitative and quantitative approaches, combining established research methods with innovative techniques to generate credible, meaningful results. 
• Generate Insights & Disseminate: We translate complex findings into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences—through written reports, data visualizations, presentations, and digital storytelling. 

Collaboration and partnership is at the heart of our work. We believe research is strengthened when those most affected by the policy or program help shape the questions, interpret findings, and guide how results are used. To this end, we regularly partner with community members, practitioners, and experts to ensure their experiences guide our approach. 

Are you interested in learning more? Contact our staff or explore our project portfolio below to learn more about how MEF can help you use evidence to drive impact.