10 Project Types Organizations are Launching Right Now (and why they matter)

1. Organizational strategic planning

• Challenge: Uncertainty about the future or shifting funding conditions
• Solution: Develop a vision-aligned strategic plan or adapt your current one with scenario modeling.
• Outcome: Clear direction, aligned priorities, and stronger case-making with funders and stakeholders.

2. Fundraising and sustainability planning

• Challenge: Overdependence on one or two funding streams
• Solution: Diversify funding through grants, donor strategies, and fee-for-service models.
• Outcome: Greater long-term stability and capacity to grow impact.

3. Scaling with quality

• Challenge: Expanding programs without compromising impact
• Solution: Build the internal systems, staffing models, and stakeholder partnerships needed for healthy growth.
• Outcome: Stronger reach, sustained outcomes, and community trust at scale.

4. Family and community engagement

• Challenge: Low family involvement or misaligned outreach
• Solution: Co-create engagement strategies that reflect local voices and build shared responsibility.
• Outcome: More inclusive, trusted partnerships between orgs and their communities.

5. Mental health and wellness infrastructure

• Challenge: Rising student and staff needs without adequate systems in place
• Solution: Build mental health support systems that integrate with academic priorities.
• Outcome: Safer, more supportive environments for learning and working.

6. Data and impact strategy

• Challenge: Struggling to measure progress or communicate impact
• Solution: Create systems for collecting, analyzing, and applying data across programs.
• Outcome: Smarter decisions, stronger funding proposals, and transparent reporting.

7. Leadership development and succession planning

• Challenge: Leadership transitions or future gaps in capacity
• Solution: Build internal pipelines, coach rising leaders, and plan for sustainable governance.
• Outcome: A more stable, mission-aligned leadership future.

8. Technology and operations improvements

• Challenge: Outdated systems are slowing down program delivery or donor management
• Solution: Streamline operations with tools like CRMs, dashboards, or workflow automation.

9. Equity-centered program design

• Challenge: Existing initiatives may not be reaching or serving all students equitably
• Solution: Redesign programs through an opportunity lens, ensuring access and inclusion are foundational.
• Outcome: Programs that reflect and support the full diversity of communities served.

10. Teacher recruitment and retention strategy

• Challenge: Persistent staffing shortages, burnout, and turnover
• Solution: Design and implement pathways for recruitment, coaching, and long-term retention.
• Outcome: Improved teacher satisfaction, stronger pipelines, and better outcomes for students.