Insights

When Growth Is Not Neutral (because strategy involves trade-offs)

Most of the leaders we work with are not short on insight. They know their communities. They have listened, closely and for years, and they can tell you exactly what their people need, fear and hope for. What they are short on is a way to turn all of that understanding into a decision they can stand behind.

That gap shows up most sharply at the moment of growth. A new funding stream opens. A government tender appears that would double the budget. A board, watching the numbers, starts asking why the organisation is not scaling. And the question quietly shifts from “what do our people need” to “who do we want to become, and what are we willing to give up to get there.” […..]

Why Your NFP Strategic Plan Isn't Working (And What to Do About It)

Your organisation spent months developing a strategic plan. It sits in a shared drive somewhere, referenced occasionally at board meetings, largely ignored in daily operations. Sound familiar?
You’re not alone. Across Melbourne’s not-for-profit sector, strategic plans are being produced with the best of intentions – and then quietly shelved. It’s not because leaders don’t care about strategy. It’s because the way most NFPs approach strategic planning is fundamentally broken. Here’s what’s going wrong, and how to fix it. […]

Your Funders Are Asking Harder Questions. Here's How to Answer Them.

“Can you show us the impact of our funding?” It used to be enough to tell a good story. Now your funders want evidence. And most NFPs aren’t ready for that conversation.

If you’ve sat across the table from a funder recently — whether it’s a government department, a philanthropic foundation, or a corporate partner — you’ve probably noticed the questions have changed.

It’s no longer just “what did you do with the money?” It’s “what difference did it make?” And increasingly, “how do you know?” […]

Unlock Greater Value By Optimising Your Operating Model

Your operating model is the blueprint of your organisation. It provides a high-level design of your processes, systems and structures and helps your people understand how they deliver value. Optimising your current operating model can help you to refine your value, eliminate duplication, improve data flow and decision making and enhance supplier and partner relationships. […]

Rethinking Local Government Services: Doing More With Less

In the realm of local governance, the prevailing challenge often boils down to a simple equation: doing more with less. As community leaders grapple with limited resources and ever-growing and more complex demands, the imperative for efficiency and effectiveness becomes paramount. However, the traditional approach of simply tightening budgets and cutting costs can only go […]

What Is A Sustainable Strategy And How To Create One

For non-profit and profit-for-purpose organisations, success is often measured not just by financial gains, but by the impact they make in their communities and beyond. Unlike for-profit enterprises, non-profits operate with a mission-driven focus, aiming to address social, environmental, or cultural needs. This requires more than just good intentions; it demands strategic vision, thoughtful planning, and a commitment to excellence. Strategy […]

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Reach out to CoLab Strategy today to discuss how we can help you grow your organisation for greater impact.