Project Approach
Each project is custom designed based on the needs of the client, with a curated team based on the skills needed for the project.
We work in collaboration with the client for 1 month to 12 months depending on the project scope. For a strategy project the typical process is:
- Kick off Training & Diagnostic
- Opportunity Assessment and Strategic Direction
- Integrated Strategic Plan
- Mobilization Support
Sample Past Projects
Research and Measurement
Led a US-China project team to help One Sky Foundation (with the support and guidance of the Skoll Foundation) to determine an improved communications framework and measurement methodology for One Sky to tell its 15+ year story and impact in over 50 Chinese welfare institutions and having trained over 10,000 caregivers. A key component of the project was to better understand the data needs of Chinese donors. This resulted in the publishing of a first of a kind study in 2014 “Catching the Rising Tide: Chinese Donor Strategies and Implications”. The project led to a new measurement framework and indicators that aligned with donor needs and detailed the impact One Sky and their local NGO (ChunHuiBoAi) we’re having in the China, and in turn raise further funds.
Trust Fund Strategy
Conducted a project with UN WOMEN in China to develop a more impactful strategy for the China Gender Fund, the longest standing program of UN Women and only such gender based fund in China. Through a stock take review of the 15 year grant portfolio and history, detailed analysis revealed key strengths and limitations to its impact. This data analysis including a survey of past grantees informed the development of a new CGF grant award structure with increased funds and a focus on replication and upscaling for impact.
Strategy & Operational Plan
Led a project team to develop a financial sustainability strategy for Splash International in China. With the final phase of implementing it’s clean water filtration systems into 1000+ orphanages, it was time to shift its model to be a locally operated and funded organization to ensure the continued access to clean water in these orphanages when filtration systems may break down, need new parts, or orphanage managers turnover and may not be educated on the need for clean water and hygiene. This was a complex challenge for this INGO. Through the project survey we obtained data from most government orphanages and also conducted stakeholder interviews. Through data analysis and with various Steering Committee workshops we identified a new human resources structure required for the future model, the requirements for a technology enabled platform to effectively sustain the filtration systems, and various funding models to make it locally sustainable.
Cross Sector Collaboration
Conducted a project with Virtues in Us (a China based education-based nonprofit), the SOHO Foundation, and the Ministry of Education to infuse the local primary education system with a new approach to moral education using virtues. Worked with the nonprofit Board and key staff to develop a research-based three-year strategic plan and provided implementation coaching and performance measurement support through the transition process. The strategy focused on consolidating the virtues programs in over 200 schools.