The challenge
In its early days, Edupalooza had a problem many new organisations share: explaining what makes it different in a crowded market. The vision was large, but partners and other stakeholders needed to hear it in terms that mattered to them. Edupalooza also needed a plan for commercial growth and a plan for winning the right partners.
What we built
We started with long working sessions to understand the full scale of the vision. Only then did we write the value proposition: a clear statement of what Edupalooza offers and who it is for.
Edupalooza's strength was its focus on international students in Australia, a small but influential group. We helped sharpen that focus and tied it to the wider goals of Australian education. We then looked at ways to earn income that would keep Edupalooza sustainable without diluting its not-for-profit ethos. Finally, we listed potential partners, assessed each one on how well it matched Edupalooza's values and how much it could offer students, and set out how to approach them.
Key features
- A value proposition aimed at international students in Australia
- Commercial models that do not dilute the not-for-profit ethos
- A plan for finding partners with shared values
- Discovery sessions to understand the vision first
Results
Over four months, ending with the virtual event, the new value proposition led to a 35% rise in partner inquiries. Within four months of putting the partner plan into practice, Edupalooza had signed five significant partnerships. Commercial engagements grew 20%, and the organisation kept its not-for-profit ethos.
Why it matters
Many not-for-profits worry that earning income will pull them away from their mission. Edupalooza set the mission first, then chose commercial models and partners that fit it. It got more inquiries from the partners it wanted, and its commercial work grew without changing what it stands for.
