United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County
Equity-Centered Strategic Planning
United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County
United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County partnered with Indigo Innovation Group to develop an equity-centered strategic plan rooted in community school strategy. This collaboration synthesized a clear vision, guiding principles, and actionable steps to communicate their commitment to equity and transformation effectively.
About United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County
United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County is dedicated to improving lives and strengthening communities by addressing the root causes of systemic inequities. Through partnerships, advocacy, and innovative programs like the community school strategy, the organization empowers students, families, and communities to thrive, creating lasting, equitable change.
Tracey has been a true thought partner - supporting us, challenging us, and providing invaluable perspective and insights all along the way.
- Lance Edwards
Challenge
United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County needed to develop a strategic plan that embedded equity into all facets of its work while aligning with the organization’s commitment to the community school strategy. This required a process to distill a clear vision, define guiding principles, and engage both staff and board members in meaningful and impactful ways. Additionally, the organization sought to improve its ability to communicate this new vision and commitment to the public effectively.
Aligning philanthropic efforts with equity principles was imperative for meaningful impact.
Solution
Indigo Innovation Group partnered with United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County to co-create an equity-centered strategic plan. Key elements of the collaboration included:
Synthesizing the organization’s vision and guiding principles to inform and drive the strategic planning process.
Facilitating staff and board engagement to ensure alignment and buy-in across the organization.
Developing actionable steps to center the organization’s work on equity and the community school strategy.
Supporting the organization in crafting a compelling narrative to communicate their vision and values effectively to the community.
Through this partnership, Indigo provided thought leadership, practical tools, and a process tailored to meet the organization’s unique challenges and opportunities.
Results
Indigo Innovation Group’s guidance enabled United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County to develop a strategic plan with a strong racial equity lens. Key outcomes included:
A clearly articulated vision and guiding principles that center equity in all organizational efforts.
A practical framework for implementing the community school strategy and broader equity initiatives.
Strengthened engagement and alignment among staff and board members.
Improved capacity to communicate the organization’s commitment to equity and community transformation.
Impact
Impact: This collaboration provided United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County with the tools, insights, and confidence to act boldly in pursuit of their equity goals. The strategic plan serves as a roadmap for advancing community school strategy and achieving meaningful, equitable change. Indigo Innovation Group’s partnership has helped position the organization as a leader in equity-centered community transformation.
Tracey is an innovative and visionary change-agent. She is able to seamlessly apply her technical expertise, personal experience, and creative insights to whatever organizational challenge or opportunity her client is facing.
- Dan Leroy
