Theory of Change – In 2010, CompassPoint—with the support of consultant Jara Dean-Coffey of jdcPartnerships —developed an organizational theory of change. The process was transformative for our board and staff, allowing us to leave behind outdated service descriptions and commit to an ambitious set of impacts. This theory of change is the foundation for a whole different emphasis on evaluation and learning at CompassPoint. View our theory of change.
Expanded Services to East Bay – The merged organization of CompassPoint and The CBO Center is serving Alameda and Contra Costa counties’ nonprofit communities with improved opportunities and access to a broader and deeper range of management support and capacity-building services. We deliver workshops, intensive leadership programs, peer networks, and consulting in both regions. In December 2010,we successfully convened our first East Bay Nonprofit Forum, bringing together senior-level staff and board members from 63 Alameda and Contra Costa nonprofit organizations to debrief local and state policy trends, explore policy advocacy skills-building, and strengthen regional sector and network development.
Blue Shield Against Violence Strong Field Project – CompassPoint’s work on the Blue Shield Against Violence Strong Field Project is a recent example of our expanding partnerships with funders to design and implement comprehensive leadership development and network building programs for specific cohorts. This four-year effort is building a stronger, more coordinated network of domestic violence service providers in California through two 18-month program cycles serving a cohort of up to 40 leaders. Program components include in-person gatherings, Webinars, facilitated peer learning, and leadership coaching to help participants develop individual leadership skills, stronger organizations, and expanded networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities to strengthen the entire field.
OMI Neighborhood Community Planning – CompassPoint community planning consulting in San Francisco’s Ocean View-Merced Heights-Ingleside (OMI) neighborhood effectively increased the capacity of neighborhood service providers to collaborate to advocate for the OMI’s needs and to further this dialogue within the community and with the City of San Francisco. Based on the success of this project and the resulting report, we have completed a similar planning process in the City’s Western Addition and are exploring similar efforts through the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing’s Community Development Division with other City Supervisors and neighborhoods.
Representatives from a diverse array of organizations that serve the Ocean View-Merced Heights-Ingleside (OMI) neighborhoods formed a cohort to identify community needs and assets.
Advancing Nonprofit Sustainability– The 2010 book, Nonprofit Sustainability: Making Strategic Decisions for Financial Viability by Jeanne Bell, Jan Masaoka, and Steve Zimmerman, introduced a dynamic decision-making framework that emphasizes both financial sustainability and mission alignment as a key to long-term organizational success. Over the coming year, we will continue to train, consult, and publish resources for the sector based on this model for sustainability.
Talking About Taxes – This statewide initiative from CompassPoint and the Building Movement Project is inspiring and activating staff of nonprofits to become engaged in the reform efforts to overhaul California’s tax and budget structure. By engaging greater numbers of nonprofit leaders and staff in this process, we increase the likelihood of a tax solution that better reflects the priorities and needs of the sector and the communities we serve.