This is one of a series of case studies that grounds IS' larger post-Threads power dynamic work by providing the cornerstone for a set of prototype tools to help aid the transfer of healthy behaviors, practices, and conditions from one relationship to another. This case study reflects a number of transferable behaviors, practices, and conditions, including but not limited to:
- Funding unexpected hurdles. ORA occupies a unique position in the philanthropic space where despite 'original funders' in place, grantees come to ORA because they are confronting an unexpected hurdle and the original funders are unable to help.
- Providing matching grants to leverage coinvestment in risk mitigation. ORA created a mechanism to assist nonprofits as well as foundations in mitigating risk. This practice is one which other funders may be able to replicate structurally.
- Being customer-centric. Taking their approach, evaluation protocols, and prototypes to their target clientele before market to assess proof of concept is a practice which helps ensure market uptake.
- Focusing on the desire to learn. The metrics set in each engagement did not serve as punitive measures for Splash. Instead, ORA used the opportunity to assess learning and whether they set expectations correctly. In this case, Splash continues to exceed expectations.
- Clear and mutual articulation of vision of success at onset of project to ensure alignment. Thorough examination and assessment of the hurdle to ensure it was a 'one-time' need leads to clear articulation of success and alignment of expectations between ORA and Splash.
- The grantee and grantor engaged in continuous conversations about codevelopment of approach and refinement. The ongoing dialogue, coupled with the inquiry over approach, enabled Splash to see a blind spot and partner with government in a way which catalyzed their impact in other communities.
- Retaining a nonprofit's right to be responsive to issues in the communities in which they are working. ORA did not attempt to change Splash's goal or vision in the project, respecting their expertise of the communities where they work.
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