This strategic research project was designed to dissect the organizational structure, challenges, and processes of the budding nonprofit organization, Black Innovation Alliance (BIA), and its attempt at organizational sustainability. The organization’s mission is to ensure that Black ownership is increasing through fair participation in the innovation economy. BIA originated as a Georgia state-based nonprofit organization, operating under a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor based in Washington, D.C. This member-based organization serves entrepreneur support organizations and innovator support organizations. The company was birthed from the racial disparities in regard to funding and support within the technology and innovation space, which were further exasperated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this document is to create a strategic solution to a problem that is inhibiting the growth and sustainability of the organization. A SWOT analysis was conducted, which took 40 factors into consideration. From this analysis, it was determined that the problem within BIA is the organization’s overcommitment to a growing body of projects with hedging deadlines. The solution is to engage corporations in cross-sector partnerships by collaborating to design and implement mutually beneficial strategic initiatives. It was determined that capacity-building partnerships, which provide more than finances and actually increase the overall capacity of the non-profit organization on the receiving end, would increase the ability of both partners to contribute to systemic change. The action plan consists of cultivating a relationship with a reputable corporation in the for-profit space and then collaborating to develop programming that addresses key development areas determined by both parties. An environmental scan must be conducted to assess the feasibility of the proposed partnership timeline, and then program implementation and measurement may commence. The goal is to produce outcomes that build capacity and fund the altruistic mission of the nonprofit organization while bolstering the public image and consumer attitudes toward the for-profit partner. As opposed to a traditional corporate sponsorship, this level of partnering would catalyze the fulfillment of the for-profit’s corporate social responsibility strategies. It is recommended that a legally binding contract be put into effect to protect organizational integrity for both parties and to shape the characteristics of the partnership.
| Date of Award | Jul 1 2023 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Gina L. Peyton (Supervisor) |
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