ILLUMINE
Consultants
We provide consulting services to mission-driven organizations in all stages of operation, including newly forming endeavors. With any of our services, we are available to lead, facilitate, advise, and train.
OUR SERVICES
How might we assist you?
STRATEGIC PLANNING
ORGANIZATIONAL EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT
We comprehensively review the organization’s history, strategies to date, existing internal conditions (board and staffing structure, finances, resource utilization, operation, etc.), external trends, and stakeholder input. This establishes a realistic basis for future planning. This assessment can be brief or extensive, formal or informal, completed for you or with you.
STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS
We identify steps that will accomplish the purpose of an organization within a stated time period and available resources. This can include reviewing and/or assisting in the creation of a mission, vision, values, long-term goals, strategies for meeting those goals, implementation plan, and monitoring/evaluation of the plan. We always make sure that this process is realistic and flexible. After completion of a strategic plan, we are also available for periodic check-ins.
CHANGE MANAGEMENT
Humans seem to be hardwired to resist change, yet it is increasing a fact of life in our constantly evolving world. Throughout the strategic planning process as well as other change implementation, we can help navigate this potential treacherous area by focusing on areas such as:
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The cycles of change
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The requirements for successful organizational change
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The strategies for stress reduction and balance amidst change
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Crisis management and planning
“Our Board is deeply grateful for the development work you led at the retreat. You helped us get centered about our values and dreams for the organization. Your generosity, competence, clarity and care were
all such a gift!"
FINANCIAL ASSESSMENT, PLANNING, AND DEVELOPMENT
Financial acumen has been the cornerstone of our professional success, and one of the main strengths we bring to our clients. We provide financial analysis, strategies, and staff and/or Board training in financial management and oversight. We can either lead or train you and your staff on effective budgeting, financial planning, fundraising strategies, donor management, grant-writing, and capital campaigns. We are especially passionate about training Boards in financial oversight, since this is a critical role often overlooked by members.
"Your clear guidance came at a crucial time for us.
I was stuck, and you
helped me get moving again. I'm re-inspired!"
MASTER PLANNING (Site and Facilities)
For facility-based organizations (e.g. camps and retreat centers, sanctuaries), we integrate your strategic plan and overall organizational goals into a comprehensive site assessment and development plan. This Master Planning process generally:
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Evaluates current facilities
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Assesses the needs and efficacy of the current operation/program
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Creates suggested new facilities or adaptations, locating them on the property
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Projects cost implications
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Considers code and zoning regulations/restrictions
This process is usually done with the whole site and programming in mind, but it can also just focus on smaller specific areas such as new gathering spaces or staff housing. We can also assist in updating existing site plans in accordance to changing needs or finances.
STAFF ASSESSMENT, DEVELOPMENT, & HIRING
It’s often difficult to be objective about your staff and their functioning. We can be a set of outside eyes to analyze your current staff structure, responsibilities and job descriptions in order to maximize your productivity, proposing more efficient and effective ways to allocate your human resources. Additionally, we can help develop the capacity of team members and leaders to realize their highest visions through such things as leadership development, training plans, hiring executive staff and coaching or mentoring current staff. Finally, we can conduct any and all aspects of an Executive Director search.
EFFECTIVE TEAMS AND SUPPORTIVE CULTURES
Having excellent individual staff and Board members is just half the picture: the staff and Board members must work productively and positively with one another in order to realize their boldest vision. One of our specialties is training and facilitating these kind of powerful team environments, with our work able to focus on any of the following areas:
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Creating high-performing teams, including the various roles needed in a team, team differences, and how to use them as an advantage
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Effective communication, which includes compassionate listening and sharing feedback in a supportive way
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Conflict resolution and difficult conversations (challenging areas that can be pivotal in determining whether an organization dives or thrives).
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Decision-making, including when it’s best to use consensus, voting, or single-person direction
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Personality types, including various models touching on the diverse aspects of member’s personalities and how they contribute to the team
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Effective time management, including principles for managing efficient meetings
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Building trust and authenticity among team members in order to increase motivation and decrease turnover
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Helping staff find the work-life balance to be productive and inspired
“It was such a blessing to have you help us be prepared to move forward. Thank you so much again for being here for us. We could not have done this without you!”
BOARD GOVERNANCE & DEVELOPMENT
A healthy, focused Board is the bedrock for a successful organization. Our work can focus on any of the following areas:
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Assessing the Board’s current performance, as well as training a Board how to internally evaluate their own performance and that of the organization.
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Training on 'best practices' and strategies for becoming an effective Board, including responsibilities, guidelines, and commitment statements for Board members
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Ideas for the best governance model and Board structure for your organization, including the most effective Board committees
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Recruiting, selecting, and training Board members
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Creating administrative policies and procedures (e.g. Personnel, Risk Management, Ethics, Financial), including creating a Board manual
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Coaching the Executive Committee on effective meeting facilitation
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Clarifying Board-staff roles and relationships
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Facilitation and assistance with conflict resolution
BOARD GOVERNANCE & DEVELOPMENT
A healthy, focused Board is the bedrock for a successful organization. Our work can focus on any of the following areas:
-
Assessing the Board’s current performance, as well as training a Board how to internally evaluate their own performance and that of the organization
-
Training on 'best practices' and strategies for becoming an effective Board, including responsibilities, guidelines, and commitment statements for Board members
-
Ideas for the best governance model and Board structure for your organization, including the most effective Board committees
-
Recruiting, selecting, and training Board members
-
Creating administrative policies and procedures (e.g. Personnel, Risk Management, Ethics, Financial), including creating a Board manual
-
Coaching the Executive Committee on effective meeting facilitation
-
Clarifying Board-staff roles and relationships
-
Facilitation and assistance with conflict resolution
