The Evolution of Impact Consulting: A Blueprint for Change
For years, the field of impact consulting has been viewed as a supplementary service line within traditional consulting firms. These firms have historically catered to large-scale corporations and government entities, often sidelining the unique needs of nonprofits, social enterprises, and the burgeoning sector of socially conscious businesses.
Traditional consulting has typically offered a one-size-fits-all approach, focusing on maximising profit over social impact. However, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have broadened the definition of impact, and the landscape is shifting. The impact consulting sector must evolve in tandem, embracing a more nuanced and adaptable methodology that aligns with the diverse and dynamic nature of the SDGs.
Athari emerged from a dual sense of frustration and aspiration in this regard. Our founders, seasoned impact consultants, witnessed the shortcomings of traditional consulting models firsthand. Athari was developed to address the gap in services that truly understood and catered to the multifaceted nature of social impact.
Having worked with a varied client base of large-scale INGOs, social enterprises, private donors, small non-profits, and mission-driven private sector firms, we believe these are the six cornerstones of future-focused impact consulting.
1/Deliver Customised Assistance
Rather than confining their role to isolated projects, impact consultants must embrace a comprehensive support model that addresses an organisation's entire range of requirements—from funding strategies and operational management to project design as well as monitoring, evaluation, and learning.
This all-encompassing support transcends the conventional client-service provider dynamic, fostering a collaborative partnership that nurtures organisational growth and amplifies impact.
2/Embrace Integrity and Systemic Analysis
Innovative impact consulting demands unwavering integrity and a thorough examination of the systemic obstacles organisations encounter. It involves shedding light on fundamental issues and steering partners toward sustainable solutions.
Consultants are responsible for uncovering the underlying reasons behind an organisation's challenges, such as unsuccessful funding applications, which may stem from identifiable operational and technical deficiencies rather than the superficial aspects of their proposals.
3/Navigate the Funding Landscape with Strategic Insight
As the funding landscape evolves, impact consulting must offer strategic insight to navigate the complexities of securing diverse financial support. It's crucial for organisations to articulate their value proposition in a way that resonates with a broad spectrum of donors, adapting to the nuances of growing funding streams like impact investing and private philanthropy.
Effective consulting empowers organisations to converse fluently in the multifaceted language of funding, ensuring they are well-positioned to capitalise on new opportunities in a competitive environment.
4/Chart the Journey from Vision to Impact
The journey from a nascent concept to tangible impact is fraught with complexities and unforeseen challenges. Impact consulting should proactively mentor organisations through their entire growth trajectory. This involves nurturing innovative ideas from their inception, providing the strategic scaffolding to develop these concepts, and guiding organisations through the implementation process.
Such a mentorship-driven approach ensures that organisations are accompanied every step of the way by experts committed to turning visionary ideas into impactful realities.
5/Provide flexible Engagement Models
The financial landscape of social impact initiatives is often unpredictable, with resources fluctuating in response to various factors. Recognizing this, the evolution of impact consulting must include adopting flexible engagement models that accommodate the financial ebbs and flows experienced by partner organisations.
By providing equitable payment plans and retainer models, impact consulting can align its services with the financial capacity of its partners. This approach ensures that organisations have continuous access to vital expertise, tailored to their current financial situation, thereby supporting sustained progress and impact without overburdening their resources.
6/Leverage Networks for Collaborative Impact
Drawing inspiration from sectors where networking is paramount, consultants should connect organisations with a curated network of partners or introduce them to other clients to facilitate the formation of aligned consortiums. These collaborative groups can then leverage their collective strengths to secure funding, execute projects with greater efficacy, and achieve scalable impact.
This strategic matchmaking not only amplifies the reach of individual organisations but also fosters a collaborative ecosystem where shared goals and resources lead to more significant, sustainable outcomes.
At Athari we believe the future of impact consulting is not just about providing services; it's about leading a movement. It's about demonstrating how consulting, when focused on partnership and systemic change, can be a powerful force for global transformation. This is the blueprint for an industry ready to prioritise impact and empower those committed to creating tangible change.