SEO provides education and career services to young people from underserved communities. After developing a new program model in the early 2000s with proven results in New York City, SEO began exploring expansion to additional cities.

Impact Catalysts (through its predecessor firm, Root Cause) worked with SEO to develop a financially sustainable growth plan. After helping SEO define criteria for selection of the optimal cities for expansion, we researched 15 potential cities, evaluated the need for the program and the base of local philanthropic support available, and recommended top cities. We developed a step-by-step action plan; an interactive financial model; and materials to engage potential partners, investors, and stakeholders in the organization’s plan. With a comprehensive growth plan and business model in place, SEO successfully replicated to San Francisco and expanded their New York-based program. We also provided fundraising training to the Board of Directors and helped SEO revamp its local boards to maximize fundraising.