St. Francis Friends of the Poor is dedicated to providing supportive housing to individuals experiencing homelessness in New York City. Known for its compassionate care and commitment to improving the lives of its residents, SFFP is at a pivotal point where it seeks to expand its operations. However, this expansion presents challenges related to maintaining financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and its mission-driven culture while managing increased capacity.

The primary challenge is how SFFP's leadership and administrative structure should evolve over the next 5-10 years to support growth. Currently, SFFP faces decisions about whether certain functions should remain centralized or become decentralized with growth. The lack of a clear strategy could lead to inefficiencies and misalignment with the organization's mission, potentially impacting service delivery and financial health.

This project provides a unique opportunity for students to address these challenges by developing a robust growth strategy. By conducting a thorough organizational capacity assessment, students can identify gaps and propose solutions that align with SFFP's values and objectives. The project comprises several key phases, including capacity assessment, strategic planning, and developing growth scenarios with corresponding staffing models.

For students, this project is a chance to engage in meaningful work that bridges academic learning with real-world application. They will gain experience in consulting, financial strategy, and organizational design, developing skills that are highly relevant and sought after in careers related to nonprofit management, finance, and public policy. By connecting their academic knowledge with the strategic needs of a nonprofit organization, students will enhance their understanding of how to drive sustainable change within the sector.