FIVESTONE
Creating a report on the power of systems thinking and philanthropy
RESEARCH | SYSTEMS THINKING | WRITING
Project Highlights
-
TAUGHT A 3-MONTH SYSTEMS THINKING CLASS
Held a weekly systems thinking 101 class for all members of the FiveStone strategy team.
-
CONDUCTED QUALITATIVE INTERVIEWS
Conducted research with FiveStone clients and broader network of foundations on the challenges and opportunities they face in taking a systems thinking approach to giving.
-
WROTE 30+ PAGE THOUGHT LEADERSHIP PIECE
Based on qualitative and quantitative research, as well as a thorough knowledge of systems thinking mindsets and practices, wrote a pillar thought leadership piece on the intersection of philanthropy and systems thinking.
From climate change and gender inequality to a failing school district and lack of jobs for teenagers, we face a mounting number of complex challenges.
Finding sustainable solutions to these complex challenges requires shifting the philanthropic operating model toward systems thinking.
To grow FiveStone’s philanthropic clientele, I researched, then developed a detailed report on the intersection of philanthropic giving and systems thinking – specifically, the five shifts foundations can take to increase their impact.
The report was distributed as part of FiveStone’s ongoing content marketing strategy.
PROCESS
01: DEVELOPED SME
Spent ~6 months reading seminal content on systems thinking and philanthropic giving. This included books, articles, case studies, and taking classes.
02: LED SYSTEMS THINKING CLASS
Translated learnings into a bi-weekly Systems Thinking 101 class for all members of the FiveStone strategy team.
03: CONDUCTED RESEARCH
Hosted interviews with a selection of FiveStone clients and connections – specifically leaders of foundations – to understand the opportunities and barriers to systems thinking on a practical level.
04: DEVELOPED CONTENT
Based on this research and knowledge, developed a comprehensive report on the shifts foundations must go through to take a systems thinking approach.
