Clarifying the Purpose and Outcomes

The consulting firm works with nonprofit leadership to define: What problem needs to be solved What decisions must be made What success looks like at the end of the session This ensures meetings are outcome-driven, not just conversations.

Designing the Facilitation Framework

The consultant designs a customized session plan, including: Agenda and timing Discussion prompts and exercises Decision-making methods (consensus, prioritization, voting, etc.) Data or pre-work needed in advance This structure keeps discussions focused and productive.

Creating a Neutral, Safe Environment

As a neutral third party, the facilitator: Manages dominant voices Ensures quieter stakeholders are heard Keeps emotions or power dynamics from derailing progress Redirects unproductive debate This neutrality is critical in nonprofits where staff, boards, and funders may have overlapping roles or tensions.

Guiding Structured Discussion

The facilitator: Keeps the group on topic Asks clarifying and strategic questions Synthesizes complex ideas in real time Helps the group move from ideas to decisions This prevents common nonprofit meeting traps like circular discussion or unresolved disagreement.

Capturing Decisions and Action Items

A consulting facilitator ensures that sessions end with: Clear decisions Defined priorities Assigned ownership Realistic timelines Nothing gets “lost in the room.”

Translating Outcomes into Next Steps

After the session, the consultant often provides: A summary of decisions and insights A prioritized action plan Recommendations for implementation Guidance for accountability and follow-through This turns facilitation into forward momentum, not just a good meeting.

Catalyst Program | ESC Fellowships & Consulting Experience

Across three cohorts and 49 Fellows, Catalyst has fostered a community of peers who learn together, engage in real‑world ESC consulting projects, and build relationships that extend far beyond the program.

Cohorts

ESC Catalyst was created as part of ESC’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice (DEIBJ). The program recognizes the longstanding inequities across the nonprofit sector – including the underrepresentation of leaders, consultants, and board members of color – and aims to help shift that landscape. Catalyst supports mid‑career professionals of color in strengthening their leadership, building highly transferable consulting and management skills, and contributing meaningfully to nonprofit capacity-building.

Testimonial

As a Catalyst Fellow and newcomer to the formal consulting space, I deeply appreciate the training and opportunities provided by ESC. Collaborating with seasoned consultants has been an invaluable learning experience, and I truly enjoy contributing my expertise to nonprofit organizations that deliver critical services to the greater New England community.

Alisa Hunter, Catalyst Fellow

Future catalyst

ESC is not currently accepting applications for a new cohort. Future updates will be shared here.

Catalyst

Testimonial

Updates

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