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.

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.

NONPROFIT STUDY – A Newfoundland and Labrador nonprofit working at the intersection of women’s rights, public policy, and social innovation turned 25. To mark this milestone, we produced an anniversary study, based on rigorous research and staff inte — NONPROFIT STUDY – A Newfoundland and Labrador nonprofit working at the intersection of women’s rights, public policy, and social innovation turned 25. To mark this milestone, we produced an anniversary study, based on rigorous research and staff interviews, that reflected on a quarter-century of advocacy and allyship through an equity lens, while also advancing the organization's internal learning and development agenda.

FOUNDATION RESEARCH – A legacy funder based in New York wanted to examine nine decades of grantmaking and impact, both in the U.S. and globally. We contributed over 30 original research and financial reports to the project, drawing on interviews and — FOUNDATION RESEARCH – A legacy funder based in New York wanted to examine nine decades of grantmaking and impact, both in the U.S. and globally. We contributed over 30 original research and financial reports to the project, drawing on interviews and documents uncovered in private and public archives across North America and Europe. We also served as lead editor throughout the manuscript's development.

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.

CORPORATE ANNIVERSARY – To mark its 200 year anniversary, a Canadian bank needed assistance with the design and execution of a major anniversary campaign that sought to bring its rich history to life. We carried out the research agenda, provided logi — CORPORATE ANNIVERSARY – To mark its 200 year anniversary, a Canadian bank needed assistance with the design and execution of a major anniversary campaign that sought to bring its rich history to life. We carried out the research agenda, provided logistical support, trained project associates, and managed stakeholder interests in a complex operating environment, ensuring the on-time delivery of several books, talks, and case studies.

BUSINESS MODEL INNOVATION – A boutique consulting firm in the US was eager to accelerate business growth and expand into adjacent markets. We designed and commercialized an innovative diagnostic tool that identifies areas of potential impact for new — BUSINESS MODEL INNOVATION – A boutique consulting firm in the US was eager to accelerate business growth and expand into adjacent markets. We designed and commercialized an innovative diagnostic tool that identifies areas of potential impact for new clients. Besides streamlining the production of preliminary reports and sales pitches, we added several specialized consulting services to the company's core portfolio.

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, and distilled the garnered insights into a comprehensive and strictly proprietary author report.

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 carefully appraised the quality of the recor — 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 carefully appraised the quality of the records, identified and analyzed strategically important documentation, designed a records maintenance program and proposed various imaginative follow-up projects.

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