Our Approach
Where Strategy Meets Service
A Unique Approach
The Sarbanes Center operates as a hands-on project booster helping nonprofits and community organizations deliver impact at the highest level. The Center is not a foundation. We do not give dollars. We give knowledge, strategy, and social capital in support of concrete, on the ground initiatives. We do not generally engage in lobbying, although from time to time we may advocate in the government space to help advance a specific project.
By operating as a nonprofit hub supported by foundations and individuals, we can provide our services at no cost, helping our partners access critical strategic support that would otherwise be out of reach.
Project Selection
The Sarbanes Center finds promising projects through word of mouth, research, unsolicited proposals and outreach to other project-supporting organizations. Our ultimate selection is based on the strength of the project itself as well as key features of the sponsoring nonprofit organization. In particular, we are guided by the following criteria:
The project is adequately resourced — with funding, volunteer support, or some combination thereof.
There is an existing network of potential partners who have the competencies to advance the sponsoring organization’s project.
There is evidence-based research that the proposed project will have a positive societal impact.
The project can be developed and achieve meaningful milestones within one year.
The project has potential scalability.
The sponsoring nonprofit organization and project are nonpartisan.
Project Support
Once we select a project, the Sarbanes team establishes a schedule for regular communication with our partner, develops a work plan to guide our strategic and technical support, and embarks on a multi-dimensional strengthening of the project’s design and execution. With this approach, we help our organizational partners achieve:
A clearer definition of project design and milestones
Improved identification of key allies
Tighter focus on deliverables
Enhanced awareness of scalability options
With attention to all of these key ingredients, we can make a difference for our partners and for the wider nonprofit landscape – all towards the societal goal of strengthened civic infrastructure, better health outcomes, and enhanced stewardship of the environment.