STORIES OF IMPACT

We don’t do client logo walls or boastful case studies. Instead, we share anonymized impact stories – authentic examples of our work that respect client privacy and let the results speak for themselves. Explore a selection below.

WEST COAST PHILANTHROPY – A private foundation in Silicon Valley is supporting our multi-year effort to study the origins, evolution and impact of West Coast philanthropy. This pioneering initiative draws on documentary materials from dozens of archi — WEST COAST PHILANTHROPY – A private foundation in Silicon Valley is supporting our multi-year effort to study the origins, evolution and impact of West Coast philanthropy. This pioneering initiative draws on documentary materials from dozens of archives. It also features the insights of more than a hundred philanthropic leaders worldwide. The findings will be publicly released in two formats: a book and an oral history collection.

NONPROFIT STUDY – A Newfoundland and Labrador nonprofit devoted to women’s rights, public policy, and social innovation was approaching its 25th anniversary. To celebrate this milestone, we produced a rigorously researched organizational history for — NONPROFIT STUDY – A Newfoundland and Labrador nonprofit devoted to women’s rights, public policy, and social innovation was approaching its 25th anniversary. To celebrate this milestone, we produced a rigorously researched organizational history for the senior leadership team, along with a companion slide deck and staff interviews, that reflected on a quarter-century of advocacy and allyship efforts through an equity lens.

BUSINESS BOOK – A former dean and current professor of management practice at a leading London business school requested an independent evaluation of his book’s structure and content, as well as its accessibility to a general audience. Through severa — BUSINESS BOOK – A former dean and current professor of management practice at a leading London business school requested an independent evaluation of his book’s structure and content, as well as its accessibility to a general audience. Through several rounds of editing and one-on-one consultations with the author, we stress-tested the study’s main arguments, refined the narrative flow, and readied the manuscript for publication.

CORPORATE ANNIVERSARY – Canada's oldest bank wanted to commemorate its 200th anniversary by sharing its rich history with customers, employees, and the broader public. We carried out the research at key bank locations in Montreal, Toronto, and Chicag — CORPORATE ANNIVERSARY – Canada's oldest bank wanted to commemorate its 200th anniversary by sharing its rich history with customers, employees, and the broader public. We carried out the research at key bank locations in Montreal, Toronto, and Chicago, recruited and trained project associates, and managed stakeholder interests in a complex operating environment, ensuring the on-time delivery of several books, talks, and case studies.

STRATEGIC PLANNING – A local charity for the performing arts was hit hard by the shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic and in need of revitalization. Over a period of 12 months, we led members of the board through an intensive visioning exercise tha — STRATEGIC PLANNING – A local charity for the performing arts was hit hard by the shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic and in need of revitalization. Over a period of 12 months, we led members of the board through an intensive visioning exercise that produced a new mission statement, a complete stakeholder map, a modern digital presence, and a fundraising strategy that cushioned against the long-term effects of the virus.

FOUNDATION RESEARCH – A legacy funder based in New York City sought to explore nine decades of grantmaking and impact, both in the U.S. and globally. We contributed over 30 original research reports to the project, drawing on interviews, organization — FOUNDATION RESEARCH – A legacy funder based in New York City sought to explore nine decades of grantmaking and impact, both in the U.S. and globally. We contributed over 30 original research reports to the project, drawing on interviews, organizational records, and program materials uncovered in private and public archives around the world. We also served as lead editor throughout the preparation of an academic manuscript.

BUSINESS MODEL INNOVATION – An up-and-coming consulting firm was eager to accelerate business growth and expand into adjacent markets. We designed and commercialized an innovative diagnostic tool that pinpointed potential impact areas for new clients — BUSINESS MODEL INNOVATION – An up-and-coming consulting firm was eager to accelerate business growth and expand into adjacent markets. We designed and commercialized an innovative diagnostic tool that pinpointed potential impact areas for new clients. Besides streamlining the production of preliminary reports and sales pitches, we expanded the company's core portfolio by adding several specialized consulting services.

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT – A Canadian business executive turned major philanthropist wanted to discreetly explore the lessons and future uses his private and professional papers, amassed over decades, held. We conducted a thorough appraisal of the record — KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT – A Canadian business executive turned major philanthropist wanted to discreetly explore the lessons and future uses his private and professional papers, amassed over decades, held. We conducted a thorough appraisal of the records' quality, identified and analyzed strategically important documents, designed a records maintenance program, and proposed a range of creative follow-up projects.

CUSTOMIZED RESEARCH – A prestigious art museum asked one of the world’s leading scholars to contribute to a lavishly illustrated volume on prominent collectors and patrons of art in the United States. We designed and executed the research program in — CUSTOMIZED RESEARCH – A prestigious art museum asked one of the world’s leading scholars to contribute to a lavishly illustrated volume on prominent collectors and patrons of art in the United States. We designed and executed the research program in support, which included site visits to galleries and archives in New York and Michigan, and distilled the garnered insights into a strictly proprietary author report.

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