Operational Support Model

LIL’s operational support is responsive, collaborative, and grounded in the priorities of each grant partner. At the start of the 18-month program, participants bring forward a real, time-sensitive initiative that their leadership team is ready to advance. LIL’s operational team reviews proposed projects to ensure alignment with their expertise and provides early feedback to sharpen focus.

Participants are assigned to one of two advising tracks: Fundraising or Business and Financial. This determination is made on an individual basis, based in part on the proposed project, organization’s goals, and LIL team capacity.

Once a project is confirmed, LIL’s operational staff work side-by-side with organizational leaders to define clear priorities, set timelines, and co-determine deliverables. Throughout the engagement, LIL provides strategic advising, acting as a thought partner and accountability support to help move the work forward.

To date, LIL has supported partners on a wide range of efforts, including scaling operations, strengthening financial management, and improving leadership and board communication.

Examples of past projects have included:

  • Strengthening internal systems/operations to support growth 

  • Developing a long-term growth strategy with aligned leadership roles

  • Market research and competitive pricing analyses

  • Scaling a promising earned revenue stream

  • Fundraising and donor engagement strategy

For real-world examples of what LIL has worked on with its grant partners, see LIL’s Case Studies.

Please review the Operational Support Expectations to get a sense of what collaboration with LIL might look like.