Social Design
13 items
Designing Collective Impact — How to Move Intractable Problems Through Cross-Sector Collaboration
What does it take for multiple organizations to tackle structural challenges that no single entity can address alone? This guide introduces the principles of designing collaboration as a system.
Introduction to EBPM — What Evidence-Based Policymaking Asks of Nonprofits
As governments increasingly demand evidence from nonprofits, what competencies are now expected? This guide explains the background of evidence-based policymaking and outlines a practical path forward.
Writing a Grant Application — A Practical Checklist to Improve Your Approval Rate
Are you writing each application by trial and error, never quite understanding why the last one was rejected? This guide restructures the grant proposal from the reviewer's perspective.
Cash Flow Design for Nonprofits — A Practical Guide to Solving Funding Gaps Through Structure
Your grant was approved, yet you still cannot cover expenses. The cause may not be a lack of effort but a structural flaw in your cash flow.
Data Utilization for Nonprofits — Practical Steps Any Small Organization Can Start Today
Annual reports get written every year, yet few organizations feel confident their impact is truly communicated. This guide outlines a four-stage pathway—from collection to application—that any nonprofit can follow, even without dedicated data staff.
Organizational Assessment Frameworks for Nonprofits — Turning Good Programs into Strong Organizations
Your programs may be excellent, yet the organization itself remains fragile. A seven-domain framework for identifying weaknesses and prioritizing improvements.
Social Enterprise vs. NPO — How Legal Structure Shapes Organizational Design
NPO, general incorporated association, or stock company? The initial choice of legal entity determines revenue structure, governance, and the very architecture of social action.
Structural Analysis of Social Issues — Using Systems Thinking to Visualize Why Problems Persist
Why do problems persist despite our best efforts? This guide introduces a thinking framework for reading the underlying structures, along with three practical tools for the field.
A Practical Workshop Guide to Theory of Change — How to Map Your Hypothesis of Change as a Team
Has your team ever articulated why your activities produce change? This guide introduces the process of collaboratively mapping a hypothesis of change and how to facilitate it.
What Is a Logic Model? A Practical Guide to Structuring Social Issues
When asked to explain the outcomes of your work, where do you begin? This guide introduces the foundational framework for articulating the link between activities and social change.
Designing Outcome Indicators — Evaluation Thinking for Social Projects Beyond KPIs and KGIs
Participation counts and event tallies fill the report, yet no one can answer 'So, what actually changed?' This guide presents a framework for indicator design that bridges that gap.
Introduction to Social Impact Evaluation Design — Practical Steps Nonprofits Can Take Today
The will to evaluate is there, but the staff and time are not. This guide charts the first actionable steps for organizations ready to begin.
How to Create a Stakeholder Map — Relationship-Building Techniques from 3 NPO Case Studies
Are you overlooking key stakeholders? Learn how to map the people and power structures surrounding your organization, and determine where to focus your engagement efforts.