Guiding Your Growth
Gaining Clarity on Growth
Sustainable and meaningful nonprofit growth isn’t always easy, but it can be attainable when you see a clear path and follow an inclusive process.
Imagine the clarity you get from the top of a building or the peak of a mountain. Assessing the entire environment around you, the direction you came from, and your path forward. Gaining this clarity on your nonprofit growth can enlighten your future approach.
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Using research, best practices, and social sector input, the Wheelhouse assesses and advances your readiness to growth. This process ensures that your organization is following a sustainable and inclusive approach towards scale while also taking away the guesswork that is often involved with scaling your impact.
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You got this!
Sustainable & Inclusive Nonprofit Growth
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In our communications we say "nonprofit growth" but what we really mean is sustainable and inclusive nonprofit growth. Nonprofit growth, while often seen as a positive endeavor, can inadvertently perpetuate the white power structures if pursued without critical reflection. When growth becomes the primary focus, organizations may prioritize the interests, perspectives, and leadership of dominant white cultures, unintentionally sidelining marginalized voices and reinforcing systemic inequities. We want to help you to create a lasting impact that is meaningful to your organization and driven by the diverse communities you work alongside.
OUR FIVE GUIDING BELIEFS FOR NONPROFIT GROWTH
These beliefs help guide us as we support your journey. They inform the organizations we work with, the approach we take, and the impact we want to have on the social sector.
1. Growth is Complex
There is a reason that most nonprofits are small. As you probably know, growth isn't just about great grants, phenomenal fundraising, or other alliterations. The complex formula for expansion navigates several programmatic, organizational, and community factors.
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2. Growth Isn't for Everyone
We believe that not all nonprofits are meant to grow. We sometimes fall into the "bigger is better" trap but some nonprofits should remain small, nimble, and localized to be effective.
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​3. Growth Needs to Be Inclusive
We believe that meaningful and sustainable growth must be done in collaboration with others. It can never be about one person's vision. It must recognize the interconnectivity within communities, understand the inequities in society, and include a diverse group of stakeholders.
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4. Growth Isn't Always in Our Control
The feeling of control is a bias that leads individuals to believe they have more influence over people and events than they actually do. We believe that nonprofits have control over their growth until they don't. It is important to know when external factors are impacting your growth.
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​5. TBD
Like the nonprofits we support, our body of evidence is still growing. This fifth and unknown guiding belief helps us to remember the importance of continuous improvement and that we need to always be learning about the science and art of nonprofit growth.