The Cohort Model: A More Efficient Approach

Tech Impact partners with foundations and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs to deliver cohort-based technology programs that strengthen nonprofit capacity at scale.

Rather than addressing technology needs one organization at a time, our cohort model creates a structured, high-impact experience for multiple grantees. This framework drives measurable improvements in focus areas including infrastructure, cybersecurity, data, and digital strategy.
 

The Challenge

Many funders face increasing demand for technology support across their grantee portfolio:

• Requests are inconsistent and difficult to evaluate
• Technology needs are often unclear or reactive
• Limited visibility into common gaps across organizations
• Difficulty measuring the impact of technology investments

The Cohort Model: A Better Approach

Our one-to-many model enables funders to move from reactive grantmaking to a proactive, data-informed strategy.
We work with Cohort Sponsors to design and deliver a program that:

• Establishes a standardized assessment process for all participants
• Provides each nonprofit with a baseline understanding of their technology landscape
• Delivers expert guidance and cohort-based learning
• Creates clear, actionable roadmaps for each organization
• Generates aggregated insights across the full cohort

How It Works
 

1. Program Design
Customized cohort aligned to your funding priorities
2. Baseline Assessments
Standardized evaluations for all participating nonprofits
3. Cohort Learning
Workshops, peer exchange, and expert-led sessions
4. Recommendations & Roadmaps
Actionable next steps tailored to each organization
5. Portfolio Insights
Data and trends across all participants to inform funding strategy
 

Benefits for Funders

Streamlined Decision-Making: Replace ad hoc requests with a consistent framework
Data-Driven Strategy: Understand common needs across your portfolio
Proactive Grantmaking: Anticipate and plan for technology investments
Scalable Impact: Support multiple organizations simultaneously
Measurable Outcomes: Track improvements across the cohort
 

Benefits for Nonprofits

Clear understanding of current technology strengths and gaps
Expert guidance on cybersecurity, data, and systems
A prioritized, actionable technology roadmap
Shared learning with peer organizations
Increased confidence in technology decision-making
 

Why Cohort-Based Learning Works

Cohort programs go beyond individual consulting by fostering shared learning and collaboration. Participants gain insights not only from experts, but from peers facing similar challenges—accelerating progress and strengthening the broader nonprofit ecosystem.