Our Process
Partners for Impact is a values-based company.
This means we lead with our values in mind and seek projects that fit that value base.
Our core values are:
Grounded in Human Services
Our consultants have experience in nonprofit human services prior to consulting, including working with victims of assault, sexual assault, young adults exiting foster care, families and individuals experiencing homelessness, and other crisis situations. We understand the complex organizational systems that people in crisis navigate and value the cooperation and collaboration needed by the nonprofit, philanthropic, and government sectors needed to improve these systems.
Engaging at the Systems Level
Whether working with a single agency/program or across a large network of providers, Partners for Impact consultants bring systems-level thinking. We are always functioning at the micro and the macro level, recognizing that all actions have broad effects across systems, entities and people. Approaching all of our work with a systems perspective helps us and our customers consider the breadth and depth of our influence (positive and negative) and the possibilities for systems-level impact on community problems.
Using an Equity Lens
Two crucial elements emerge when using a lens of equity: the power dynamics within systems, and the importance of lived experience as expertise. Using the OpenSource racial equity framework has taught us to continually acknowledge structures and power relationships, analyze the cumulative impact of those relationships, and strategize structural interruptions and innovations.
Applying Frameworks
Partners for Impact uses a variety of frameworks to help organize thinking, data collection and analysis, and reporting. We frequently use the collective impact framework, the social-ecological model, the adaptive cycle, and Simon Sinek’s golden circles starting with “Why.” As a company, we have made a commitment to an equitable evaluation framework as well. Finally, by engaging with the book Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds by adrienne maree brown, our consultants have been developing intentional ways to undo what she calls “anti-nurturing”, the distinct ways our white dominant culture disrespects the inherent emergent process of our humanity.
Being Data Driven
A mix of qualitative and quantitative approaches provide a richer and more complete understanding of the impact of a specific intervention or approach. We believe that the stories of individuals who are most impacted by programs, services, and systems provide a deeper understanding and insight into experiences than quantitative data alone.
Being Nimble and Accountable
While specific deliverables submitted at the end of a project are important, we build interim deliverables and discussions about their findings into our plan to ensure that our work meets the needs of our customer. This process gives space for data to emerge and to guide the direction of the project.
Our Services
We Strengthen Networks
We Evaluate
We help you be clear about your impact. When working with us, you will learn how to create measures of success that tell the story of your results.
We Plan & Design
Have a great project idea, but planning it has you stumped? Let us help you bring your vision to life with the help of our experienced consultants.
We Engage Communities
We Help with Professional & Team Development
Partners for Impact has a diverse pool of consultants and the ability to tailor content for a growing team, a new leader, or a community initiative. Training topics have included adaptive leadership, board governance, organizational assessment, program evaluation, and fundraising basics.