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- Challenge: Outdated systems are slowing down program delivery or donor management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.
Outcome: Better efficiency, reduced administrative lift, and stronger visibility.
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.