Philea, in collaboration with the European Research Network on Philanthropy (ERNOP) hosted a webinar on using data collection and research evidence for influencing social policy, strategic decision-making, and implementation of programmes on 13 September 2022. Based on a critical overview of the field, which was provided by Tobias Jung (Director and Founder at the Centre for the Study of Philanthropy and Public Good) and reflections on good practices and lessons learned, which were kindly shared by Cristina Chiotan (Director, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning at European Climate Foundation) and Rein Terwindt (Senior Evidence Specialist at LEGO Foundation), this follow-up piece summarises some of the key issues raised during the online event and provides a basis for foundations to further reflect on the roles that they can play in public policymaking and how to approach these.