From Problem to Purpose: Designing Your Social Impact Solution

What You'll Achieve

By the end of these 2 weeks, you'll have crystal-clear direction on your social impact mission and a comprehensive understanding of the various pathways available to create the change you envision—setting you up for success whether you choose the nonprofit route or discover alternative approaches.

Core Outcomes:

• Define the specific problem you're passionate about solving with precision and clarity

• Understand the root causes and systemic factors contributing to the issue

• Identify your unique strengths, resources, and perspective that you bring to the solution

• Explore multiple approaches to addressing the problem beyond traditional nonprofit models

• Assess the competitive landscape and identify gaps where your solution could thrive

• Create a clear problem statement and theory of change for your future organization

• Determine whether a nonprofit structure is the best fit for your specific goals

Program Structure

Two Weekly 2.5-Hour Intensive Sessions - Deep-dive workshops combining individual reflection, peer collaboration, and expert guidance in a supportive cohort environment.

Individual 1:1 Clarity Sessions - Personalized coaching to help you process insights, overcome obstacles, and refine your approach between group sessions.

Interactive Whiteboarding & Strategy Sessions - Visual problem-solving exercises to map out various solution pathways and organizational approaches.

Weekly Focus Areas

Week 1: Problem Definition & Root Cause Analysis Clarify Your Mission Foundation

Session Focus:

• Problem Identification Workshop: Move from "I want to help..." to "The specific problem I'm solving is..."

• Stakeholder Mapping: Identify who is affected, who is currently addressing the issue, and where gaps exist

• Root Cause Deep Dive: Understand the underlying systems and factors that create or perpetuate the problem

• Personal Passion Audit: Align your unique experiences, skills, and resources with the problem you want to solve

• Impact Vision Setting: Define what success looks like and how you'll measure meaningful change

Individual Session: Refine your problem statement and begin developing your personal theory of change

Week 2: Solution Pathways & Strategic Options Whiteboard Your Way to Impact

Session Focus:

• Solution Brainstorming: Generate multiple approaches to addressing your identified problem

• Organizational Model Exploration: Compare nonprofit, for-profit social enterprise, B-Corp, cooperative, and other impact structures

• Competitive Landscape Analysis: Research existing organizations and identify opportunities for differentiation or collaboration

• Resource Requirements Assessment: Understand what each approach requires in terms of funding, skills, and infrastructure

• Strategic Whiteboarding Session: Visual mapping of your best solution pathways with pros, cons, and implementation considerations

Individual Session: Finalize your strategic direction and create your next steps action plan

Who This Course Is For

• Passionate individuals who see social problems but don't know where to start

• Professionals considering a career transition into social impact work

• Community members who want to address local issues but need strategic direction

• Anyone who's been told "you should start a nonprofit" but wants to explore all options first

• Social impact enthusiasts who want to ensure their approach will create lasting change

• Future nonprofit founders who want a solid foundation before diving into organizational development

What's Included

Program includes:

• 2 intensive group strategy sessions (2.5 hours each)

• 2 individual coaching sessions (45 minutes each)

• Problem definition and theory of change templates

• Organizational structure comparison guide

• Competitive analysis framework

• Access to curated resources on social innovation approaches

• 14 days of email support for implementation questions

Your Next Steps

This mini-course serves as the perfect foundation for our 6-week Social Enterprise 101 course or any other social impact venture you choose to pursue. You'll complete this experience with the clarity and strategic foundation needed to build something that creates real, lasting change.

Ready to transform your passion into a strategic plan for impact? Join us and discover the most effective path to solve the problem that keeps you up at night.