By Dr. Godwin Ude, MBA, PhD
Certified Non-profits Program Designer & Executive Director, Kingdom Acts Foundation
In the non-profit sector, a common gap exists between what funders perceive as great project proposals and what is truly appropriate for the target community. This disconnect often results in the rejection of well-thought-out proposals—not because they lack value, but because they don’t fit into the predefined frameworks funders expect. Theoretically, these frameworks may seem perfect, but practically, they may not be relevant across diverse demographics.
THE REALITY OF PROGRAM DESIGN
As the Executive Director of Kingdom Acts Foundation, I encountered this challenge firsthand while designing a food security initiative for BIPOC and immigrant communities in Surrey, BC. Funders envisioned an outcome that focused solely on distributing pre-packaged food boxes. However, our consultations with the community taught us that culturally appropriate foods and nutritional education were far more relevant. Despite our evidence-backed proposal, it was initially declined because it did not fit the “standardized food bank model” envisioned by the funder.
This experience underscores a critical point: effective program outcomes are not dictated but co-created. True impact arises when funders, implementers, and the communities they serve collaborate from the design phase through to implementation.
COLLABORATIVE PROGRAM DESIGN: A MUST
Effective program design begins with collaboration. Engaging all stakeholders—funders, non-profits, and beneficiary communities—ensures that program deliverables are realistic, culturally appropriate, and aligned with local needs. Here are some critical factors for designing programs that translate great ideas into good outcomes:
- Diversity & Cultural Appropriateness
Programs must be tailored to reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. A one-size-fits-all approach does not work in a multicultural context. For example, health promotion campaigns targeting immigrant communities should consider language barriers, cultural beliefs, and accessible communication channels. - Relevance & Contextualization
What works in one region or demographic may not work in another. Funders must resist the urge to impose standardized outcomes and instead allow flexibility in program deliverables based on the local context. A youth mentorship program in an urban setting will have different needs than one in a rural area. - Timeline Consideration
Unrealistic timelines often hinder the success of programs. Funders need to understand that sustainable change requires time. Proposals should be evaluated based on their immediate outcomes and potential for long-term impact. - Stakeholder Ownership
Beneficiary communities must have a voice in defining program goals and outcomes. Ownership leads to greater engagement, better uptake of services, and sustained success. In a study by Gaventa & Barrett (2012), community involvement in program design increased program effectiveness by over 30%.
WHY SYSTEMS MUST CHANGE
The rigid frameworks often imposed by funders stem from an outdated belief that one model can work for all. This perspective ignores the fluid nature of communities and evolving needs. In my experience, when systems resist change, non-profits are forced to create systems alternatives—programs designed outside traditional funding structures but better suited to real community needs.
If funders are unwilling to adapt, they risk becoming irrelevant in environments where local organizations innovate and independently implement more contextually appropriate solutions. This reinforces the need for systems change, where funders embrace iterative design processes, conduct regular need assessments, and remain open to feedback.
A CALL TO ACTION
Funders, non-profits, and communities must work hand-in-hand to close the gap between theory and practice. The goal should not be to fit proposals into a rigid framework but to design flexible programs that reflect the complexity of real-life challenges. By doing so, we can move from great ideas on paper to good outcomes in practice.
We remain committed to this approach at Kingdom Acts Foundation, continuously engaging with communities to ensure our programs are relevant and impactful. We thank our partners and supporters for their collaboration and invite funders to join us in adopting a more inclusive, flexible approach to program design. Together, we can create lasting change.
References
Gaventa, J., & Barrett, G. (2012). Mapping the Outcomes of Citizen Engagement. World Development, 40(12), 2399-2410.
Tags
#ProgramDesign #SystemsChange #SocialImpact #NonProfitLeadership #CollaborationMatters #CommunityEngagement #EquityAndInclusion #KingdomActsFoundation #FlexibleFunding #BetterOutcomes