MEAL Planning in Practice A Guide for Small NGOs

What you'll learn
Build a MEAL Framework Table for any project using a 9-column planning structure
Design indicators that measure both reach and quality for each output
Run monthly learning meetings that turn data into decisions
Understand how monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning work together as one system
Understand how MEAL supports decision making and project results
Requirements
No prior MEAL experience required - though experienced practitioners will gain fresh practical approaches
Basic understanding of how NGO projects work (activities, budgets, reporting)
Currently working on or planning a project you can apply the learning to
Description
You've been handed MEAL responsibilities but no one showed you how to actually do it. You know you need to track progress and prove impact, but the frameworks feel complicated and the jargon doesn't help.This course gives you a simple, working MEAL system you can build this week.What you'll learnUsing a case study, you'll follow the decisions and experience of a program officer building a MEAL system from scratch. She faces the same questions you do: Are we reaching the most vulnerable? Are we creating real change? How do I prove impact to the donor?Watch how she builds her MEAL plan from scratch - and build yours alongside her.Three practical toolsYou'll walk away with three ready-to-use templates:The MEAL Framework Table - a 9-column planning tool that tells you what to measure, how to calculate it, where data comes from, who collects it, and who gets informed.The Monthly Learning Meeting template - a 4-part agenda that turns your data into decisions, with worked examples.The MEAL Plan Quality Checklist - a review tool to check your plan before you finalize it.What this course coversHow monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning work together as one system - not four separate tasks.How to design indicators that measure both reach and quality.How to set realistic targets based on context, not wishful thinking.How to build accountability in three directions - to donors, your team, and communities.How to run learning meetings that actually change how you work.Who this is forProgram officers and project managers at small NGOs without dedicated M&E staff. Field staff given MEAL responsibilities without training. Anyone who needs a workable system, not a textbook.By the end, you'll have a MEAL plan you can actually use - and the confidence to explain it to your donor.
Who this course is for
Program officers and project managers at small NGOs without dedicated M&E staff
Field staff who've been handed MEAL responsibilities without formal training
Development and humanitarian professionals new to MEAL
Anyone designing or managing projects who needs a simple, workable MEAL system
Experienced M&E professionals looking for fresh insights
Homepage