Working With Community Partners

When nonprofits seek results-oriented advice, they turn to us for pro bono assistance. What we offer is unmatched: thoughtful analysis, actionable solutions that are tailored to the needs of each client organization and delivered free of charge by teams of Harvard Business School alumni.

Many Ways We Help Nonprofits

We Offer Three Distinct Types Of Pro Bono Assistance

Consulting Engagements

A multi-phased, 3-4 month deep-dive engagement, addressing opportunities of strategic importance to organization’s leadership.

Team’s work is guided by a tailored project plan, including interim milestones and a final presentation of Team’s findings actionable recommendations

Client Org’s Leadership (ED/CEO or Board leader) commits to active involvement in project, including participating in project kickoff and final presentation.

Guidelines for Organization:

  • Employs at least 3 full-time paid staff or equivalents
  • Annual budget of $300,000 or more

Apply for Consulting Project >

Brainstorming Sessions

A 2-hour, high-energy session to generate new thinking around a well-defined topic.

Session includes alumni volunteers and leadership of organization. It’s moderated to percolate new thinking and provide feedback to client team on a well-articulated business challenge or opportunity.

Client Org’s Leadership (ED/CEO or Board leader) participates in session.

Guidelines for Organization:

  • Employs at least 3 full-time paid staff or equivalents
  • Annual budget of $100,000 or more

Apply for Brainstorming Project >

Office Hour Consult

Hour-long high-level consultation.

The leader of the nonprofit is paired with one or two alumni consultants for a discussion of a business issue that can be narrowly defined and summarized in the consult call.

Client Org’s Leadership (ED/CEO or Board leader) participates in the call.

Guidelines for Organization:

  • Employs at least 3 full-time paid staff or equivalents
  • Annual budget of $100,000 or more

Request an Office Hour Consult Session>

General Requirements For Nonprofits

  • Organization is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
  • Organization is located in and focuses its activities and programs in the Greater New York City Area.

FAQs for Nonprofits>>

Scholarships And Recognition Awards

Helping nonprofit leaders maximize their impact through full scholarships to HBS executive education programs and awards recognizing excellence in nonprofit management and governance.

Scholarships For Nonprofit Leaders

Each year, Community Partners selects leaders of nonprofits to receive full scholarships to attend executive education programs offered through the HBS Social Enterprise Initiative: Driving Nonprofit Performance and Innovation – Virtual and Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management.

Community Partners Leadership Awards

This award was established in 2015 to recognize, reward and celebrate Community Partners’ clients that have demonstrated outstanding management and governance practices in their work.  In 2019, eligibility was extended to include nonprofit organizations on which HBS alumni serve as board members.

What Our Clients Say About Our Work