What We Do
AS A SOCIAL IMPACT CONSULTING FIRM we help companies, foundations and individuals make a difference. Our work gets to the heart of the matter. We break silos because it takes more than any one check or policy or letter to tackle big issues like economic security, human rights or climate sustainability. We prescribe a custom formula of advocacy, collaboration, investment, philanthropy, policy and new ways of doing business in order to help you make progress.
Our Services
The process begins with a simple question: What do you want to achieve? The answer becomes the North Star to turn that passion into a purpose. Articulating a mission and architecting a roadmap to reach that end is where Giving Strong comes in. We work with you to build real-world programs that make real social change. Our work is thoughtful, strategic and custom for each client.
STRATEGY & MANAGEMENT
- Strategic Planning
- Mission and Vision Development
- Corporate Social Responsibility and ESG Assessment + Programming
- Crisis and Issues Management
- Program Development + Evaluation
- Change Management
- CSR + ESG Reporting
FINANCIAL CAPITAL DEPLOYMENT
- Grant Making
- Impact Investing Counsel
- Philanthropic Advisory
- Scholarship Programs
COMMUNICATIONS
- Stakeholder Communications
- Thought Leadership
- Issues Advocacy + Public Affairs
- Public Relations
- Community Relations
- Content Marketing, development and distribution
Who We Are
Christen Graham brought together her head and her heart when she founded Giving Strong. In previous tenures as a journalist, public relations professional and executive, she intentionally incorporated social impact into her work. Christen has worked with pioneers of the Corporate Social Responsibility movement, leading academic institutions, modern foundations and influential media. She has given voice to underserved people and built programs that foster opportunity. Christen advocates for immigrants by serving on the board of ProsperityME, activates women to be impact investors by serving on the steering committee of Invest for Better, and mentors young people as a Fresh Air Fund host. She is a Tufts University graduate.
News
Upping the ante and going “all in” for a greater social impact
The spring 2015 line from women’s clothing designer Eileen Fisher is 60 percent “eco,” on their path to reaching 100 percent sustainability by 2020, going “all in.” Similarly, the FB Heron Foundation has about 60 percent of its assets invested in mission, on the path...
A green Lambo? Sure, I’ll take it!
Two years ago I bought a plug-in Prius and I love it. I love the novelty of pulling into the garage and plugging it into the wall to charge. I love that I can zip around town entirely on electric power, and not use any gasoline. I love that I can make it to a meeting...
Revving up for 2015? Here’s a five point checklist
As we approach 2015, there are five things businesses, foundations and non profits can start now to make a greater social impact in the year ahead: Time for a tune up. Are you achieving what you set out to do? We find that at around the 3-5 year mark of a CSR or grant...