Knowledge | EOF

Turning evidence into better outcomes.

EOF’s programmes are living laboratories for learning. Across countries and sectors, we capture what works — and what doesn’t — in outcomes-based financing (OBF) for education. Through research, data, and collaboration, we translate these lessons into practical tools and guidance for governments, donors, and implementers.

Our goal is not only to share insights, but to build capacity and confidence across education systems: helping partners design, commission, and scale outcomes-based programmes that deliver measurable, lasting impact.

Explore our latest evidence, case studies, and technical resources below — and see how learning from practice is shaping smarter education spending worldwide.

New to OBF? Start here:

Designing Impact Evaluations for Early Childhood Care and Education Programmes Using Outcomes-Based Financing

Drawing on the design of impact evaluations for ECCE outcomes funds in Rwanda, Sierra Leone and South Africa, this new technical brief explores how these challenges can be navigated in practice.

Blended Finance for Non-State ECD: Promise and Parameters

This is the second blog in the insights series from the Working Group on Innovative Finance for Early Childhood Development (ECD).

Adapting Measurement Tools for OBF Programmes for ECCE

This technical brief shares detailed insights from the process of adapting ECCE quality and child development measurement tools for use in the world’s first outcomes funds dedicated exclusively to ECCE in Rwanda and Sierra Leone.

Resources on Selecting Measurement Tools for OBF for ECCE

This technical brief gives a practical guide for technical experts designing OBF programmes for ECCE, helping them make informed decisions about measuring and paying for child outcomes.

Harnessing the power of learning in Outcomes-Based Financing for Early Childhood Care and Education

One year ago today, we published a paper arguing that the time was right to explore Outcomes-Based Financing (OBF) for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programmes on a larger scale.

What happens when we make learning the focus of our work? Reflections on the Sierra Leone Education Innovation Challenge

The education sector is facing a dual crises of low learning outcomes and inefficient and inequitable funding.

Education for Climate Action: Why Education is Critical for Climate Progress

Climate change is “widespread, rapid, and intensifying,” and
without urgent action the world could hit a tipping point from
which there is no return.

New GSG and EOF results-based financing guide: “Tying funding to results”

On 13 February 2021, the Global Steering Group for Impact Investment (GSG) published its new action guide in collaboration with EOF.

Designing for Disability Inclusion - Insights from the ECCE Outcomes Fund in Rwanda

This technical brief examines how disability inclusion can be embedded into outcomes-based financing programmes for early childhood care and education (ECCE) in low- and middle-income countries.

Challenge Accepted!

Six Key Takeaways from the Sierra Leone Education Innovation Challenge Year 3 Results

Outcomes AI

Using Artificial Intelligence for Better Outcomes in Education and Development

Revised Edition: Outcomes-Based Finance & Early Childhood Care and Education Concept Paper

We are excited to share the revised edition of our concept paper, Outcomes-Based Finance for Early Childhood Care and Education, now featuring a foreword from the LEGO Foundation.

Many Paths up the Mountain of Strengthening Systems through Outcomes-Based Finance

This is the second of two blogs sharing insights from a learning group on innovative finance in education, co-facilitated by the Education Finance Network and the Education Outcomes Fund.

Putting Children at the Centre: Reimagining ECCE funding through outcomes-based finance

The importance of high-quality early childhood care and education (ECCE) for children’s school readiness and performance, and life-long well-being, is gaining ever-increasing recognition.

The Promise of Outcomes Funds

A new paper by the Education Outcomes Fund's (EOF) Chief Programs Officer, Jared Lee, published in the Stanford Social Innovation Review argues for the need for greater use of evidence to inform funding and policy decisions following

EOF Strategy 2025–2030

EOF’s 2025-2030 Strategy defines two complementary objectives designed to scale outcomes-based financing and strengthen education systems.

Harnessing the Potential of Outcomes-based Financing to Improve Early Childhood Outcomes

This is the third blog in the insights series from the Working Group on Innovative Finance for Early Childhood Development (ECD).

Equity by Design: Financing Early Childhood Development for the Most Marginalised.

This is the first blog in the insights series from the Working Group on Innovative Finance for Early Childhood Development (ECD).

Information Brief on Outcomes Funds for Education

Outcomes funds are gaining momentum as an innovative model to finance and deliver a wide range of education services including early childhood care and education, primary education and vocational training.

Building OBF4ECCE Version 2.0 Together

Governments and philanthropic organisations are increasingly recognising the critical role Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) plays in preparing children for school and laying the foundation for lifelong learning.

Piecing Together the Measurement Puzzle: Experiences from Outcomes-Based Finance Programmes in Education

To ensure the success of the OBF model, it's crucial to establish solid metrics and accurately measure and verify outcomes.

Unlocking Learning Outcomes: The Sierra Leone Education Innovation Challenge

In a world of ever-evolving challenges, one constant challenge prevails – the global learning crisis.

Setting up for Success: Best Practices for Procurement and Contracting of RBF Programs

By ensuring a focus on outcomes to deliver tangible, real-life improvements in the lives of beneficiaries, Results-Based Financing (RBF) offers a world of exciting opportunities for governments and donors.