Table 9. Recommendations for Funders.

Recommendation	Why this is important
Take an ecosystem approach to investing in modeling	•   Different actors must be engaged to effectively move a model from the design phase, through creation, to eventual impact on policy. The evidence-to-decision- making ecosystem varies widely between countries – mapping the landscape and assessing its strengths and limitations is an important first step for an effective investment.     •   This approach is also useful for identifying existing capacity, including knowledge translation efforts – building on existing structures can help avoid duplication and ensure ownership and sustainability.
Fund policy-engagement activities flexibly, not just the production of models, as part of grantmaking	•   Policymaking is relational – relationships are critical to ensuring models are relevant and decision-focused. It takes time to build relationships but often this aspect of policy work is not funded, which can signal that it is not valued.     •   Decision-making processes are often messy and unpredictable. Flexibility in grantmaking that also acknowledges what it takes to build relationships, would enable modelers to support critical decision windows as they arise.
Center country research priorities and strengthen country evidence infrastructures	•   Strong data and research systems are needed to support overall use of evidence in government. Modeled evidence is one source of evidence in a decision process – when evidence systems are stronger, modeling activities are likely to be stronger too.     •   A focus on country-level research priorities and agendas will ensure relevance and help to strengthen data systems and other needed inputs.