Place-based philanthropy has become a popular term in recent years, especially among funders looking to build deeper relationships with communities. But what does it actually mean to be “place-based”—and how can learning and evaluation strengthen this approach rather than dilute it?

Evaluation has long been seen as a cornerstone of learning in philanthropy. It helps funders make sense of their strategies, understand impact, and reflect on where to go next. But for many nonprofits—especially those led by people of color—evaluation doesn’t always feel like learning. It feels like labor. Sometimes, it feels like a barrier.