Work Examples
Challenge: Conflicting sources of data across too many Google Sheets
This organization was using Google Sheets to maintain all of its information. New spreadsheets were created every time someone needed a new list of people, which meant that when information needed to be updated, it only made it into certain spreadsheets. There was no source of truth, and the situation would only worsen as more staff joined.
Solution: Streamline data through a customer relationship database solution
Finding a low-cost database solution and creating a streamlined place where all information lived helped to keep everyone on the same page and ensured information was accurate everywhere. The custom CRM solution now allows the growing team to see all the points of contact the organization has had with a given supporter, and understand how the supporter is connected to other organizations and networks. At a glance, the team can now see an at-a-glance view of a coalition and recent or overdue tasks.
Challenge: Operationalizing goals
This organization’s team had doubled, and many staff were unaware of the nonprofit’s goals or what determined how the organization prioritized its work. Team members were concerned about how to make these goals a reality, and were uncertain about who would own what. Mission creep would occur when an exciting opportunity presented itself, even if it didn’t align with the organizational goals.
Solution: Create OKR (Objectives and Key Results) tracker and integrate staff in the goal-setting process
Creating an initial set of goals based off of major projects allowed the founder to reflect, streamline and refine the organization’s goals. A tracking system was created to engage the entire team in the goal-setting process, starting through a series of team meetings to generate buy-in, and subsequent worksheets and follow-up meetings to identify objectives and key results.
These metrics allowed staff to identify how their work scaffolded up to the larger organizational goals, and ensured that the team would say “no” to emerging projects that didn’t align with strategic priorities.
Challenge: First large-scale conference
If the saying goes, “Dress for the job you want,” then it’s just as important for new nonprofits to look and feel as impressive as the mission they strive to achieve. As this organization hosted its first large-scale conference, it was looking to make an impression in a space where allies and funders would be looking on.
Solution: Making a lasting impression
Designing the materials in-house and knowing how to best work directly with union printers helped stretch a frugal budget.
From printed directional signage to branded graphics on the convention hall’s TV monitors, to t-shirts and hip stickers and swag bags, materials echoed the brand throughout and made a lasting impression.
