Springboard Sessions for Nonprofits

The Stanford Alumni Consulting Team (ACT) now offers two-hour online “springboard sessions” in which Stanford Graduate School of Business alumni generate ideas to aid nonprofits and civic entities with a specific strategic question. Each virtual brainstorming session will include four to eight GSB alumni volunteers eager to help your organization increase its impact and solve a focused problem.

To be a successful candidate for an ACT virtual springboard session, your organization needs to pose a single question focused on a clearly-defined challenge, a new idea, or a group of related issues that don’t require additional research in order for GSB alumni to provide helpful feedback.

Example Topics for Strategic Questions

  • How much growth is right for my organization?
  • What key questions should we consider as we head into strategic planning?
  • Can you help me articulate my unique value proposition?
  • Can you provide feedback on my organization’s pitch?
  • How can we best engage millennials in our work?

Client Criteria & Requirements

  1. Your organization must be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization or a civic entity. See additional client eligibility.
  2. Selected nonprofits must:
  • Commit two to four top organizational leaders to participate (e.g. executive director, CEO, board member)
  • Provide brief background materials in advance to prepare ACT volunteers for focused brainstorming on your chosen strategic question.
  • Participate in a 15–20 minute introductory conversation with your ACT brainstorm facilitator prior to the session.
  • Share feedback following the session about the value of the brainstorm experience to your organization.
Timeline
May 16, 2023 Application Decisions
July 12 – 27, 2023 Virtual Springboard Sessions
Taryn Grogan
Spotlight
The Nueva School

“It’s a wonderful benefit to sit with people who are genuinely interested in the organization, its issues, and like problem-solving. Even if members suggest things the organization already tried or is doing, it is wonderful confirmation that you are on the right track.” – Taryn Grogan, The Nueva School

Martha Parry Clark
Spotlight
American Diabetes Association

“Such an opportunity to run a thorny issue by a group of smart, creative business folks is invaluable.” – Martha Parry Clark, American Diabetes Association

Stanford GSB Alumni