Reimagining Local Philanthropy During COVID-19: A Consulting Case Study
In Summary
A community foundation dedicated to encouraging and facilitating local philanthropy faced the challenge of reimagining its mandate during the COVID-19 pandemic to better support diverse gender and ethnic groups. Preppid, a leading management consulting firm, partnered with the foundation to guide them through a sophisticated change management project. This project included industry best practices workshops, strategic pivoting support, and the development of a comprehensive community engagement plan. The result was a more inclusive and effective approach to philanthropy, ensuring the city’s charitable sector had the resources needed to make a meaningful impact during the pandemic.
Client Challenge
The foundation needed to reimagine its mandate to better support diverse gender and ethnic groups during COVID-19.
Preppid's Approach
Conducted sophisticated workshops on industry best practices, supported strategic pivoting, and developed a comprehensive community engagement plan.
Results
Developed a more inclusive and effective approach to philanthropy, ensuring meaningful community impact during the pandemic.
The Client Problem
The community foundation encountered multiple strategic and operational challenges in its mission to support local philanthropy during the COVID-19 pandemic:
Narrow and Outdated Mandate: The existing mandate did not adequately address the emergent needs of diverse gender and ethnic groups disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
Limited Inclusivity and Outreach: The foundation’s outreach efforts were insufficiently inclusive, failing to engage various community segments effectively.
Strategic Uncertainty and Resource Allocation: There was uncertainty on how to pivot strategically to remain relevant and impactful, alongside difficulties in effectively allocating resources to maximize community impact.
Engagement and Trust Issues: Trust and engagement with the foundation among diverse community groups were lacking, hindering the mobilization of resources and volunteers.
Preppid’s Approach
Preppid implemented a sophisticated and multi-faceted change management strategy, focusing on inclusivity, strategic pivoting, and enhanced community engagement to address these challenges.
Comprehensive Needs Assessment
Stakeholder Analysis: Conducted in-depth stakeholder analysis to understand the specific needs and challenges faced by diverse gender and ethnic groups within the community.
Gap Analysis: Identified gaps in the foundation's current mandate and outreach efforts, highlighting areas for improvement and strategic redirection.
Workshops on Industry Best Practices
Expert-Led Sessions: Organized a series of expert-led workshops on global best practices in inclusive philanthropy, crisis response, and strategic resource allocation.
Interactive Learning: Facilitated interactive sessions to ensure foundation staff and volunteers could apply best practices to their unique context, enhancing their operational capabilities.
Case Studies and Simulations: Used real-world case studies and crisis simulations to help the foundation develop effective strategies and responses tailored to the pandemic environment.
Strategic Pivoting Support
Vision and Mission Realignment: Assisted the foundation in realigning its vision and mission to reflect a stronger focus on supporting diverse gender and ethnic groups.
Strategic Planning Framework: Developed a robust strategic planning framework that outlined new priorities, measurable goals, and actionable steps for immediate and long-term impact.
Resource Optimization Model: Created a resource optimization model to ensure efficient and equitable allocation of funds and support, guided by data-driven insights.
Scenario Planning: Conducted scenario planning exercises to prepare the foundation for various future uncertainties and potential crises.
Enhanced Community Engagement
Inclusive Outreach Campaigns: Designed and launched comprehensive outreach campaigns utilizing social media, local media, and community events to raise awareness and engage diverse community segments.
Partnership Development: Established strategic partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and government entities to amplify the foundation's outreach and resource mobilization efforts.
Volunteer Mobilization Initiatives: Implemented targeted volunteer mobilization initiatives, including virtual volunteer fairs and community-driven projects, to boost participation and support.
Digital Engagement Tools: Leveraged digital tools and platforms to facilitate remote engagement, communication, and collaboration among volunteers, donors, and community members.
Impact Measurement and Continuous Improvement
Impact Metrics: Developed comprehensive impact metrics to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the foundation's efforts, ensuring accountability and transparency.
Regular Reporting and Feedback Loops: Established regular reporting mechanisms and feedback loops to keep stakeholders informed and engaged, while continuously refining strategies based on real-time data and community input.
Long-Term Sustainability Planning: Created a sustainability plan to ensure the foundation's initiatives remained impactful and relevant beyond the pandemic.
Results
The implementation of Preppid's sophisticated change management strategy led to significant and measurable outcomes for the community foundation:
Inclusive and Updated Mandate: Successfully reimagined the foundation’s mandate, prioritizing support for diverse gender and ethnic groups, making it more inclusive and adaptive.
Enhanced Engagement and Trust: Increased engagement and trust with various community segments, resulting in a broader and more diverse base of volunteers and donors.
Strategic Resource Allocation: Developed an effective resource optimization model that ensured equitable support for the most affected groups during the pandemic, maximizing impact.
Positive Community Impact: Achieved measurable improvements in community support and resilience, with targeted aid effectively reaching those in greatest need.
Recognition and Support: Gained recognition and support from local government, businesses, and community organizations for the foundation’s commitment to inclusive and impactful philanthropy.
Sustainable Framework: Established a long-term sustainability framework, ensuring the foundation’s initiatives continued to drive meaningful impact beyond the immediate crisis.
