Maximizing Impact: Cost-Effectiveness, Scaling, and Smarter Spending

​With shrinking funding landscapes, ensuring that every dollar spent generates maximum impact is more critical than ever. How can nonprofits, civil society organizations, and governments adopt cost-effective interventions while maintaining quality and scale? This session will explore data-driven decision-making, including A/B testing, cost assessments, and lean operational strategies to improve efficiency and scalability in social programs.

We’ll examine how governments can integrate cost-effective services—such as vision care—into education and health systems, and discuss best practices for collaboration between nonprofits and funders to ensure sustainable, high-impact investments. Participants will share real-world examples of evidence-based scaling, resource efficiency, and innovative funding models that optimize outcomes while keeping costs in check.

Key Questions:

• ​How can A/B testing and data-driven insights improve the cost-effectiveness of social programs?

• ​What are the true costs of scaling, and how can organizations plan for long-term financial sustainability?

• ​How can lean operations and efficiency strategies help nonprofits and social enterprises maximize impact with fewer resources?

• ​What lessons can be learned from cost-effective interventions like vision care, and how can they be integrated into government systems?

• ​How can civil society and governments collaborate to ensure that cost-effective programs are adopted, financed, and scaled responsibly?

​This session will provide practical insights and actionable strategies for organizations looking to scale smarter, optimize funding, and drive greater impact with limited resources.

​Session Co-Leaders:

• ​Claire Cullen – Head of Research and Innovation at Youth Impact, a development economist scaling evidence-based programs for youth and a Principal Investigator at Oxford University’s What Works Hub for Global Education.

• ​Emma Colenbrander – Managing Director at Spring Impact, focused on scaling high-potential solutions and understanding what works at scale.

• ​Ivy van Regteren Altena – Co-Director of NOVAH (No Violence At Home), leveraging edutainment to prevent intimate partner violence through scalable radio dramas.

• ​Maggie Savage Dawson – COO at EYElliance, leading efforts to scale access to eyeglasses through public systems, private markets, and innovative financing.