We help NGOs to solve any kind of economic problem – for free
Let university talent solve your problems in pro-bono cases ranging from 8-10 weeks.
Request a pro-bono projectØ 9.8/10
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Capabilities & case studies
Our expertise includes a variety of practices
Client situation
Our client, a sustainability consultancy with over a decade of experience, helps international corporations and their value chains become more sustainable. Due to rapid growth, they are looking to expand into new markets, particularly the fast-growing US ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) sector.
Our approach
The team approached this project through two workstreams:
- In-depth analysis of client strengths and weaknesses:
- Conducted a thorough analysis of the client’s strengths and weaknesses
- Provided a detailed picture of the client’s current situation using economic frameworks - In-depth analysis of the US ESG market:
- Assessed market demand, competitor landscape, and legal requirements
- Conducted a PESTEL analysis
- Compiled a shortlist of 50 key competitors.
Project outcome
We recommended the most promising geographic market for US expansion, identified through our analysis. The recommendation included an overview of key competitors and relevant legal frameworks for those geographic markets. We also included future hurdles and potential risks, while highlighting critical metrics and future steps for the client.
Client situation
Our client raises awareness on mental health through its flagship ‘YAM’ program, deployed in schools worldwide. With donations declining due to the Ukraine-Russia war, the organisation struggled to finance operations. 180DC Frankfurt was engaged to help develop new revenue streams.
Our approach
To turn around the NGO’s financial situation, the team pursued a two-pronged strategy:
- Establishing a pipeline of wealthy private donors:
- Identifying the ideal donor profile
- Researching a longlist of 40+ potential donors - Pricing the ‘YAM’ program to cover operational costs:
- Forecasting operational costs for the upcoming year
- Building a flexible pricing model in excel with adjustable assumptions
Project outcome
Our longlist resulted in two new major longterm donors. The new ‘YAM’ pricing model boosted revenue by >200%, laying the groundwork for future expansion.
Client situation
Our client, a South African education non-profit, aimed to expand their reach and make their student program more accessible. To support this goal, 180 Degrees Consulting partnered with them to digitise their curriculum and enhance program delivery.
Our approach
The project was divided into two key phases:
- Funding the digitisation of the curriculum:
- Assessed organisational needs and identified potential partners to support the initiative
- Created a structured 'hunter scheme' and implemented a scoring system to evaluate each potential partner - Selecting a platform to launch the digital curriculum:
- Conducted an in-depth analysis of e-learning platform vendors
- Leveraged a data-driven scoring system to match platforms to the client’s needs
Project outcome
The client received a list of 40+ potential collaborators, each rated on strategic alignment and impact. With this, they successfully began their digital transformation, making their program more accessible to students across South Africa.
Client situation
Our client executes projects worldwide to support local communities (e.g., building a playground for orphans in Kenia). To scale their impact, the founder proposed launching a consultancy that advises German companies on social projects modeled after those implemented by their own firm. 180DC supported this initiative by defining a clear vision and strategy for the association and the new consultancy.
Our approach
To assist the founding of the consultancy and the development of a long-term strategy, 180 DC used the following approach:
- Collaboratively defined the consultancy's vision and mission, along with identifying relevant target groups, including potential clients and donors
- Developed a long-term strategy for the consultancy and association by defining its USP, setting OKR-based milestones, and structuring the organisation with clearly defined roles.
Project outcome
180DC helped the founder articulate a clear USP, identify target clients, and construct a hiring plan for the upcoming years. Pursuing our roadmap of milestones, the consultancy firm will reach out to its first potential clients in early 2025.
Client situation
Our client advices public institutions on environmental projects & regulation. With the company's rapid growth, the admin and project office searched for a scalable data solution. 180DC Frankfurt was brought in to optimise data collection processes and find the right vendor for an all-in-one data management solution.
Our approach
To optimize internal processes and find the right data solution vendor, the team proceeded as follows:
- Mapped and evaluated current data collection processes
- Derived requirements for an all-in-one data collection and management solution which is able to scale with the company
- Shortlisted and ranked Vendors on must-have and nice-to-have criteria (costs, implementation-ease, user-friendliness, and features)
Project outcome
The project team gave a demo of the three most promising tools. The client signed a contract with one of the vendors and was able to significantly cut the amount of manual work.
As versatile generalists, we are ready to tackle any economic challenge within your organisation. We are confident we can help, even if your issue is not specifically listed in our portfolio. Contact us at frankfurt@180dc.org to schedule a free introductory call.
client testimonials
What our clients say about us
"The team has been very professional at all times. It was a great pleasure to work with the consultants and they delivered valuable insights."
Arved Lüth
CEO of :response
"Great collaboration on all levels - friendly team, flawless communication, deliverables exceeded expectations."
Peter Schweigerer
CEO of BCFF
"If you're an NGO looking for business advice you should hire them. An absolute pleasure to work with - 10/10!"
Elizabeth Eisenhower
Head of finance at BCAT
Project flow
In only three steps to high quality industry-level advice
You reach out to us via mail or contact form. We schedule a call to discuss principles of collaboration & pressing issues in your organisation.
We commit to solve one critical issue within our project. Together we define the project's goals, deliverables & workstreams.
We put together a core consulting team with the required expertise. Our Consulting Director reaches out to kick-off the project.
faq
Frequently asked questions & answers
Does our organisation have to be located in Frankfurt?
No. The majority of our clients are located outside of Frankfurt or even Germany. We typically meet online to guide the project and discuss results. In-person meetings are possible, if circumstances allow.
What is the timeline of a project?
Our winter projects run from mid-November to mid-January (paused during holidays). Our summer projects run from early May to early July. Both project phases last 8 weeks. We will staff the required numbers of consultants to complete the project in time.
How many consultants work on a project?
We assign the necessary number of consultants to complete the project on time. Usually teams range from 2-4 consultants.
How much will a project cost me?
We advise NGOs for free. Clients can donate at the end of a project if they like to.
My organisation is for-profit. Are we still eligible for a project?
All clients must actively contribute to one of the 17 UN sustainability goals or other direct social causes. If you are unsure if your organisation meets the criteria, reach out to frankfurt@180dc.org.
