Rocksteady

Per the most recent blog about the project, I mentioned some of the difficulties we faced while creating a business case for NGO's to utilize a shared services operating model. Because no NGO operates in the realm of profit, they tend to run as "lean" as possible. No cost exists worth cutting - everything is a necessity. However, we have recently made great progress in creating a compelling story for a shared services strategy, an “ace in the hole” if you will.

Large charitable trusts and foundations exist solely to donate their funds to the noble and practical causes of NGO’s and non-profits. Such foundations include the Gates Foundation, J. Paul Getty Trust, Ford Foundation and others. We have recently come to an agreement with the Rockefeller Foundation to finance the near-term organizational design, location selection and governance model. This is huge! The more time consultants (even at 50% cost) are on the ground analyzing the situation, the quicker the business case for quantitative benefits diminishes. Furthermore, Rockefeller has expressed interest in becoming the sole investor in such strategic long term investments, including outsourcing and shared services. This exponentially simplifies, at least one scenario, of the business case. Foundational funding could be used broadly to set up the new environment and annual grants could continue the service based on outcomes. Steady rockin!