Building for Change

Sound management. Strong governance. Social impact.

Nonprofit organizations play an integral role in promoting social equity. To ensure that this important work continues, Building for Change, a new initiative, offers a comprehensive approach to the sustainability of these organizations. The goal is to ensure that organizations that address issues of social equity solidify their infrastructure so that they can sustain the valuable work they do and achieve a positive social impact.

Building for Change is designed for organizations that fall into one of the following categories:

• Organizations that still operate at a start-up level (for example, small staff, board doing work of staff or board in name only) with budgets under $250,000
• Organizations that have the basics in place, but, for example, have never done a strategic, fundraising or marketing plan, rely primarily on a single revenue stream or have limited use of technology
• Organizations that are ready to move to the next organizational level but need capacity-building work for the transition

Two key aspects of the program are choice and confidentiality:

• Once accepted to the program, grantees will interview two consultants and decide the best match for their organization.
• Confidentiality is paramount throughout the engagement.

The 2015–2016 Building for Change Grantees are:

• Long Island Organizing Network
• The Parent-Child Home Program
• The Parent Resource Network and the JCC
• S.T.R.O.N.G
• Witness for Peace

(Starting with the back row, from Left to Right): Brian Leander, Elsa Rios, Jenny Lindstrom, Zahida Pirani, Audrey Winkler, Lynda Parmely, Darren Sandow, Ann Marie Thigpen, Liz Axelrod, Richard Rivera, Michael Davidson, Jennifer Rutledge and Sandra Dunn.

Building for Change is a long-term engagement: 18 months, involving more than 200 hours of consulting time. The program’s premise is that change takes time. Building for Change consultants are aware and respectful of the many demands placed on staff and board of nonprofit organizations. The lead consultant and client will set goals and develop work plans together. Integral to the program is that one size does not fit all. This customized approach builds capacity one organization at a time.

The lead consultant selected by the organization will have a team of consultants to draw from if additional expertise is needed.

This remarkable opportunity is available to grantees of the Hagedorn Foundation. Grantees do not apply for money. They apply for an opportunity to build their capacity to deliver mission and achieve strategic impact. For the first 18-month opportunity, we will select a maximum of five grantees.