Before you build that new program, try this

Collaboration starts long before launch.

If you're at a foundation that's getting ready to design a program for others—say, a shared service hub or a capacity-building initiative—pause and consider this:

Are you collaborating with the people you hope to serve?

Too often, well-intentioned efforts fall into the “build it and they will come” trap. A new offering is designed, resourced, and launched—only to be met with low engagement, confusion, or unintended consequences. Not because the idea was bad, but because it wasn’t built with the very people it was meant to support.

Here’s a more collaborative approach:

Start with discovery. Create structured space to listen. What do nonprofit leaders actually need? What are their biggest pain points? Where do they see opportunity?

Invite reflection, not just input. Go beyond check-the-box surveys. Use interviews or focus groups to surface hopes, hesitations, and the conditions that would make engagement truly worthwhile.

Name power dynamics. Designing with means being honest about who typically makes the decisions—and working to rebalance the scales.

When you involve nonprofits early, not only do you design more useful programs—you also build trust, foster alignment, and lay the groundwork for ongoing partnership.

Here’s the key takeaway: The best collaborative programs don’t start with solutions. They start with conversations.

Ready to explore a collaborative approach to program design? I’d be happy to serve as a sounding board. Just hit reply, and we’ll find a time to talk.