Consulting
Technical assistance, program design, and data strategy
Our consulting services range from program design and implementation to research and data analysis — for foundations, local governments, nonprofits, and companies building authentic social impact programs, across the Bay Area and beyond.
Subject-matter expertise
Subject-matter expertise for nonprofit, philanthropic, government, and corporate initiatives
Decennial Census
Preparing for the 2030 Census through:
- Conducting program and data analysis to understand what happened in 2020 and implications for 2030
- Advising on funding allocations and programmatic supports needed between now and 2030
- Providing up-to-date knowledge on current and upcoming Census initiatives such as LUCA
- Designing comprehensive education and outreach campaigns for diverse community members
- Facilitating coalition-building and communications strategy for national census advocacy networks
Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI)
Designing and implementing Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) programs in California through:
- Facilitating inclusive design sessions with program staff and community stakeholders
- Identifying funding models and wrap-around support systems to maximize impact
- Creating flexible program budgets and financial models to support multi-year initiatives
- Advising on waiver processes and other frequently asked questions
Community Outreach and Activation
Designing inclusive and effective campaigns through:
- Partnering with local organizations and other community stakeholders to craft relevant and resonant messaging
- Integrating messaging with clear calls to action according to various program phases
- Tying issues to current events, local contexts, and other initiatives to create a cohesive message
- Facilitating the creation of multilingual outreach collateral for distribution
Language Access Initiatives
Improving equitable language access for organizations through:
- Analysis of census data and other sources to understand demographic characteristics of local populations
- Auditing of websites, marketing and communications, and other program materials to identify opportunities for better accessibility
- Advising of campaigns and program strategies to ensure local language needs are met
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) & Social Impact Programs
Helping companies move past performative giving through:
- Designing employee volunteerism and corporate engagement programs that deliver real value to community partners, not just a photo opportunity
- Advising on corporate philanthropy and corporate foundation giving strategy that connects funding to vetted, community-rooted initiatives
- Facilitating authentic partnerships between companies and the community-based organizations they want to support
- Advising on social impact strategy built to hold up to real scrutiny — for companies that want to be good partners, not just look like one
How we work
From shared vision to working program
Funders and leaders often arrive with a vision, a grant, and a deadline, but no blueprint. We build the blueprint with the people it's meant to serve. That starts with listening: convening the funders, agencies, community organizations, and residents involved, and creating space for every perspective to be heard and honored. We prioritize equity in how decisions get made, and we help diverse goals converge into a common vision. Then we stay through implementation, turning that vision into practical programming, with budgets, timelines, partner roles, tools, and the day-to-day operations that make it real.
How we support these engagements
Program design, process, and data capabilities
Whether you need a nonprofit program design consultant, a grantmaking consultant to structure and manage funding strategy, a CSR consultant designing employee volunteerism and corporate philanthropy programs that hold up to scrutiny, or hands-on support as a strategic planning consultant executing a plan, our capabilities span the full arc from design to delivery.
Community-centered program design
We design and implement inclusive community outreach and education initiatives that center the most marginalized community members and build upon local partnership ecosystems.
Process mapping and improvement
We build streamlined, supportive structures around programs and processes. We balance an abundance mindset with simplicity and center the practical needs of staff and closest stakeholders.
Research and data analysis
We utilize program and publicly available data sources to identify opportunities and advise partners on programmatic decisions and equitable resource allocation.
Data collection systems design
We design surveys, applications, and reporting templates with practical information needs in mind. We prioritize shared learning, easy dissemination, and living data management.
Featured Case Studies
GWC client work
Guaranteed Basic Income
GBI pilot program for a large regional nonprofit
Led a collaborative design process across multiple organizations to build and implement United Way Bay Area's $3M, 18-month Guaranteed Basic Income pilot program for 100 low-income families across Alameda County. Developed recruitment and application materials, a randomized lottery selection process, and onboarding plan with staff training resources for implementation partners.
Language Access
Language access strategy for a large federal agency
As a language access strategist for Ignited, contributed to outreach and communications recommendations to help the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau better reach limited English proficient consumers. Conducted practitioner interviews and landscape analysis of federal agency outreach, and contributed to in-language focus groups in six languages to help inform the CFPB's launch of seven in-language landing pages.
Census & Civic Engagement
Coalition-building and facilitation for a national census advocacy network
Facilitated the States Count Action Network's multi-state coalition webinar series, member feedback sessions, and communications strategy connecting lessons from the 2020 Census to planning for 2030. Developed a shared repository of resources including a standardized census and ACS education slide deck and handouts.