Operational Support Model

LIL’s operational support is responsive, collaborative, and grounded in the priorities of each grant partner. At the start of the 12-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.

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. At the conclusion of the 12-month period, LIL may be able to offer an additional 6 months of operational services based on potential for impact and LIL’s internal capacity.

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

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.