Principles
Go deep: Focused attention and funding for a small number of organizations allows for ambitious goals, stable and focused implementation, and strong, trusting relationships established over time.
Research, listen, and learn: Being informed about the problem, the philosophy of the work, and relevant research and developing relationships with experts are strategic imperatives.
Seek sustainable solutions: We help organizations devise plans for long-term financial and organizational sustainability up front.
Work with excellent leaders: A good idea is impotent without strong, capable, and decisive leadership.
Provide dogged support with pro bono consulting including strategic planning, business planning and ongoing coaching to grantee organizations, in particular:
- To clarify their theories of change and strengthen their business plans;
- To communicate their work powerfully to others;
- Provide “block & tackle” problem-solving and a safe haven for rigorous problem solving;
- By advocating for them with other funders and decision-makers.
Because they have a deep understanding of our model and have been an active partner in our growth over the past 2 years, we were able to engage in a deeper level of planning with knowledge and trust that they were invested in a way that a typical facilitator wouldn’t be. MTW is in a better place with a solid and thoughtful strategy for mission critical growth and for supporting youth to outcomes because of our strategic planning experience with SGP.
Jodi Rosenbaum Tillinger