Resources for evaluation are increasingly tied to external funding so more and more external evaluators find themselves working both with programs and their funders where there may be some expectation that the evaluator will serve both as clients. In some situations, evaluators work with multiple programs sharing a funder, work directly for the funder, or both. Navigating the complexity of these evaluator – client(s) relationships is a challenge. Drawing on their experiences, panelists will discuss how they have met this challenge and explore the evaluator –program client – funder client dynamics associated with their success (and sometimes failure). Finally, the panel will propose a number of critical elements of an effective working relationship in these complex situations for discussion by the audience. #IndependentConsulting #ProgramTheoryandTheoryDrivenEvaluation