3ie is an international grant-making NGO promoting evidence-informed development policies and programmes. They are the global leader in funding and producing high-quality evidence of what works, how, why and at what cost in international development. They believe that better and policy-relevant evidence will make development more effective and improve people’s lives.

3ie funds rigorous impact evaluations using experimental and quasi experimental designs as part of a broader analysis of an intervention’s theory of change. These rigorous designs are embedded in a broader theory of change analysis, using mixed methods to address evaluation questions across the causal chain.

3ie also funds the production of rigorous full systematic reviews as the most comprehensive and rigorous synthesis and analysis of available evidence. In 2014, 3ie expanded its programme of work to include rapid evidence assessments and evidence gap maps to help fill the gap in high-quality, timely, policy-relevant evidence to inform policy discussions and research priorities.

They have a highly qualified and diverse international staff and management governed by a board of eminent policymakers, development funders and evaluation experts. They are building a global community of policymakers, implementers and evaluation experts committed to promoting and supporting the production and use of high-quality evidence to strengthen development.

Since its founding in 2008, 3ie has awarded over 200 grants (146 impact evaluations, 33 systematic reviews and 38 other studies) in over 50 countries, with a total value of US$84,225,205.

3ie has offices in New Delhi, London and Washington, DC. The three main funders of 3ie are the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UKaid through the Department for International Development and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

What 3ie Does
3ie’s work focuses on generating high quality evidence that contributes to effective policies for the poor. In their dual role as funding agency and knowledge broker, they carry out several activities and offer multiple services.

Impact Evaluation Programme
3ie's Impact Evaluation Programme offers support and resources for researchers in international development.

Impact Evaluation Services
3ie offers programmes, products and services that improve the quality and transparency of impact evaluations. 

Synthesis and Reviews Programme
3ie's Synthesis and Reviews Programme offers support and resources for researchers in international development.

Policy influencing activities
They help researchers better communicate the findings of their studies to influence policy.