Leading an organization is rewarding, but it’s rarely simple. Between staffing, policies, strategy, and keeping up with day-to-day operations, it’s easy for the big-picture goals to slip down the list. That’s exactly why Networks for Training and Development created The CoLab Project, a collaborative approach to organizational capacity building that helps teams connect to the resources they need to grow and thrive.
What Is The CoLab Project?
The CoLab Project is a time-limited organizational development program for both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. It starts with listening. The Networks team learns about your successes, challenges, plans, and vision for the future. Then, together, we build a customized Action Plan that targets your specific needs.
Since the first cohort launched in early 2022, organizations of all kinds have seen meaningful growth through the process.
Areas The CoLab Project Supports
Every Action Plan is different, but participating organizations have worked on:
- Strategic planning
- Policies, procedures, and employee handbooks
- Staffing and administrative infrastructure
- Incident management
- Website development
- Social media and marketing
- Connections to resources and partner organizations
Learning Alongside Peers
What makes The CoLab Project different is the peer cohort model. Each cohort brings together two to three organizations that go through the process side by side. Participants share ideas, celebrate wins, and learn from each other, and each cohort wraps up with a Cohort Gathering and Presentation to share successes.
Networks serves as a mentor, not a director. Our experts offer guidance and support, then step back so your team can lead with confidence on its own.
Meet the Experts
CoLab participants work with experienced Networks team members whose expertise spans strategic planning, team dynamics, leadership development, risk management, policy development, and data and analytics:
- Michelle Sparling: Strategic planning, systems change, and stakeholder engagement
- Bethany Friedl: CliftonStrengths coaching, organizational strategy, and data and analytics
- Shauna Roman: Strategic planning, leadership development, and mentoring
- Preston Roach: ODP compliance, risk management, and policy development
What Participants Are Saying
“Overall, our experience with the CoLab was absolutely amazing… Everything runs smoothly now. There’s a system in place.” — Logan Hills, The Adolphus Group
“I really found it so valuable to have [Networks’] expert resources at my fingertips.” — Jennifer, Caresify
Is Your Organization a Good Fit?
The CoLab Project works best for organizations ready to invest real effort. Participants commit to:
- Fully engaging in the process
- Attending monthly Action Plan meetings (plus additional support meetings as needed)
- Following through on identified goals
- Including leadership team representatives in every step
As the saying goes, you get out of it what you put into it, and with The CoLab Project, the return can be exponential.
Ready to Build Capacity?
If your organization is ready to grow, we’d love to hear from you. Learn more about The CoLab Project and how to apply, or call us at 610-935-6624.