RESEARCH TOOLKIT

Volunteer Consultants
Purpose of document

This research toolkit is a library of relevant supporting resources covering

different functional areas. If needed, a volunteer consultant can refer to
this document during the project cycle and learn more about a domain
that they may not be familiar with.

Please reach out to your respective project POC if you have any
questions about this document.

- Team Consult for Humanity

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Areas of Service
1) People and Culture: Creating a people management plan to enable volunteers and employees to achieve
their full potential, including internal communication, training and appraisal systems.
2) Communication Strategy: Defining the organisation’s key message to create and implement a plan for
stakeholder outreach, including digital media campaigns and press material.
3) System Design: Developing organisational processes through design thinking and designing volunteer and
beneficiary experiences.
4) Technology and Innovation: Building technological solutions to solve internal challenges and streamline
organisational processes.
5) Strategy and Planning: Advising senior leadership and developing a long-term plan to meet objectives
through sectoral and organisational analysis.
6) Brand Development & Marketing: Building a distinct identity that conveys the organisation’s core message
through the creation of marketing materials such as logos, brochures, emails, and social media content.
7) Financial Resource Development: Evaluating cash flows to plan for more efficient financial management and
determine fundraising requirements.
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People & Culture
1. Introduction to Performance Management
https://www.uwsp.edu/hr/Documents/Performance%20Management%20Toolkit%20for%20
Employees.pdf
o Self-Assessment criteria and questions
o Goal setting techniques and examples

2. Performance Management Toolkit

https://www.bangor.ac.uk/humanresources/pmt/index.php.en
o Supporting performance through good management
o Ensuring ongoing effective performance
o Managing good performance
o Managing under-performance
o Resolving Disputes
o Managing Stress
o Managing Performance through Change

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People & Culture
3. Employee Development Toolkit
https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/tools-and-samples/toolkits/pages/developingempl
oyees.aspx
o Past and current approaches to employee development programs.
o The business case for these programs and HR's role.
o Guidelines and methods for designing effective programs.
o Challenges in implementing programs.
o Issues related to communications, legal requirements, technology, metrics and global
employee development programs.

4. Leadership development Toolkit

https://www.opm.gov/WIKI/uploads/docs/Wiki/OPM/training/Leadership_Toolkit.pdf
o Developing Leadership skills: Pages 15- 26
o Leadership Development for Employees: Pages 27- 46
o Leadership Development for Managers: Pages 107-126

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People & Culture
5. Managing Cultural Diversity in NGOs (Section 3 page 27-46)
https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/43031159.pdf
○ Theories of organisational culture
○ Cross-Cultural dimensions and human resource management
○ Advantages and Disadvantages of cultural diversity

6. Succession Planning Toolkit

https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/tools-and-samples/toolkits/pages/engaginginsucc
essionplanning.aspx
○ The business case for succession planning.
○ Factors to consider when designing a program.
○ Potential obstacles to implementation.
○ Characteristics of great programs.

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People & Culture
7. Human Resources Policy for a NGO
https://www.networklearning.org/ngo-skills/organizational-management/63-checklist-a-huma
n-resources-policy-for-an-ngo

8. HR Toolkit for NGOs

http://www.steps.org.in/images/Resources%20-%20STEPS%20NGO%20Policies.pdf
o Legal Form
o Personnel Policy - Pages 3-11
o Attendance Policy

9. Internship Handbook for Employers

https://iyfglobal.org/sites/default/files/library/Internship_Handbook_for_Employers.pdf
o Designing an Internship Programme - Pages 9-10
o Recruitment and Induction-Pages 12-15
o Supervision and Mentorship- Pages 16-17
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Communication Strategy
1. Communication Tools
http://www.bmsg.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/tce-bmsg-c4c-mod6-new-media.pdf
○ Audience and Tactics: Pages 5-11
○ Technology Tools: Pages 11-31
○ Integrating Technology Tools in the Organisation: Pages 31-36

2. Internal and External communication Mini Toolkit

https://www.tradepressservices.com/corporate-communications-toolkit/
○ Strategies for internal & external communication
○ Toolkits for internal & external communication

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Communication Strategy
3. Organisational communication Toolkit
https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/tools-and-samples/toolkits/pages/managingorganizationalcomm
unication.aspx
○ The impact of effective and ineffective communication on the organization and its employees.
○ How to build an effective communication strategy.
○ The various constituencies affected by the communicated information.
○ Measuring results.
○ How to select the appropriate audience for each type of message.
○ The types of communication methods used in organizations.

4. Corporate communication Toolkit

https://toolkit.providencehealthcare.org/corporate-communications/communications-planning/communic
ations-101
○ Communications planning (Goal Setting, Audience, Background, Context, Key Takeaways)
○ Strategic communication planning

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Communication Strategy
5. Content Writing toolkit
https://www.brandwatch.com/blog/29-writing-tools-and-resources/
○ Title writing tools
○ Writing productivity tools
○ Style and grammar tools
○ SEO writing tools
○ Collaborative writing tools
○ Research & Idea generation
○ Miscellaneous writing tools
○ A proofreading tool

6. Content Marketing Guide

https://www.weidert.com/blog/content-marketing-toolkit
○ Brand overview & Style guide
○ Content & Idea generating tools

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Systems Design
1. Introduction to Policies and Systems for NGOs
https://www.fundsforngos.org/free-resources-for-ngos/policies-systems-ngo/
○ Organizational Chart for NGO
○ Personnel Policy
○ Communications Policy
○ Procurement Policy
○ Fixed Assets Policy

2. How organizational design influences value creation process

https://www.fundsforngos.org/free-resources-for-ngos/policies-systems-ngo/
○ Organizational Design- Page 13
○ Operationalization Table- Appendix (Page 63)
○ Organizational Design and Value Creation Process Table-Page 43

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Technology & Innovation
1. Non profit Digital Transformation Toolkit
https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/575821/Nonprofit%20Digital%20Transformation%20Whitepa
per_9_23_17.pdf
○ The Case for Digital Transformation: Pages 4-8
○ Essential Outcomes of a Digital Strategy: Page 10
○ Begin your digital transformation: Page 14

2. Nine types of innovation for NGOs

bond.org.uk/ngo-support/nine-types-of-innovation

3. Practical Tools to trigger and support social innovation

https://diytoolkit.org/about/

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Technology & Innovation
4. Social Innovation Policy Toolkit
https://www.civicspace.eu/upload/library/social-innovation-policy-toolkit-5d629b5c43d7e.
pdf
○ The Policy Framework of Social Innovation- Page 7
○ Local Actors in Social Innovation-Page 11
○ Summary of Social Value-Page 19
○ Social Innovation tools- Page 31

5. Toolkit: NGO Technology Planning

http://www.ngopulse.org/article/toolkit-ngo-technology-planning
○ What is Technology Planning?
○ Getting Started on your IT Infrastructure
○ Service Contracts and selecting a service provider

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Strategy & Planning
1. Planning Models
https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/strategic-planning-models
o 8 Strategic plan models and tools to create implementable templates

2. Strategic Planning and Implementation Toolkit

https://www.iaao.org/media/membership/chapters/StrategicPlanningToolkit.pdf
○ Phases of strategic planning
○ Creating a template for strategic planning
3. Decision Making in-depth, includes additional links to tools
https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTED_00.htm
○ Decision-making models
○ 7 Step decision-making strategy

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Strategy & Planning
4. Implementation Research Toolkit
http://adphealth.org/irtoolkit/
○ Identify barriers to implementation and formulate the research question
○ Make your case for funding
○ Set up a study design with appropriate methodologies
○ Plan the project (budget, personnel, timelines, monitoring and evaluation)
○ Collect, analyse and present research information
○ Develop a dissemination plan
○ Monitor and evaluate your research project
5. What the Best Nonprofits Know about Strategy
https://hbr.org/2018/08/what-the-best-nonprofits-know-about-strategy
○ Customer Segmentation
○ Product Development
○ Partnerships and Marketing
○ Revenue Streams for Financial Sustainability

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Strategy & Planning
6. Conscious Governance Strategic Planning
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51b64d8ae4b0c042edeecd7e/t/55e20697e4b0b3b01f5a
f8db/1440876183702/Conscious+Governance+Strategic+Planning+Toolkit+%5BComplete%5D.pdf
○ Strategic plan checklist
○ Strategic process checklist
○ Action plan
○ Strategies for developing a strategic plan

7. Minimum Viable Product Scoping Workshop

https://blog.mooncascade.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/MVP-Scoping-Workshop-Guide-3.
pdf
○ Product and customer overview- Pages 13-14
○ User flow schema-Page 14
○ How to write an agile user story? Page 17
○ Time and Money Estimates-Page 28

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Brand Development
1. Introduction to Brand Strategy
https://www.columnfivemedia.com/how-to-create-a-brand-strategy

2. Branding Toolkit (intensive)

http://rcrcconference.org/app//uploads/2017/11/Branding-toolkit_EN_January_2016.pdf
○ Brand Development: Pages 8-12
○ Branding in the Digital Sphere and Social Media: Pages 46-52
○ Managing Reputational Crisis in Social media spheres: Pages: 52-55
○ Branding for a Young Audience Pages: 70-73

3. Mapping Brand Strategy (intensive)

https://hbr.org/2015/06/a-better-way-to-map-brand-strategy

4. Brand Management Tools

https://www.surveymonkey.com/mp/best-brand-management-tools/
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Brand Development
5. The Role of Brand in the Nonprofit Sector
https://ssir.org/articles/entry/the_role_of_brand_in_the_nonprofit_sector#
○ Brand Development brings Cohesion and Capacity
○ The Nonprofit Brand Idea

6. Brand Process: Indian Social Sector

http://collaborativec.in/branding-for-social-sector-in-india/
○ Challenges, Opportunities and Current Trends in the Indian Social Sector

7. Masterclass on Branding in the Social Sector

https://www.isdm.org.in/knowledge/masterclass-branding-social-sector

8. Designing Better Brand Experiences

https://constructive.co/insight/what-is-nonprofit-brand-experience-design/
○ Design, Value and Meaning
○ Translating Organizational Strategy

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Brand Development
9. Sustaining Social Enterprise Through Branding: Connecting Purpose and Profit
https://www.substance151.com/sustaining-social-enterprise-branding-connecting-purpose-profit
/
10. Social Enterprise Branding on a Small Budget
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/338842
11. Branding Experiences of six Social Enterprises
http://socialgoodstuff.com/2017/03/6-social-enterprises-reveal-the-advantages-of-good-brandin
g/
○ Jimani Collections
○ The THX Co.
○ Tilt Magazine
○ ENAT
○ Half United
○ This Bar Saves Lives

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Brand Development
12. Eight Easy Steps to Marketing your nonprofit Organization
https://www.thebalancesmb.com/eight-easy-steps-to-marketing-your-nonprofit-organization-
2294906
o Determine Your Target Market
o Set Measurable Goals
o Create Marketing Materials
o Set a social media strategy
o Update your website
o Create a Database
o Showcase your results
o Form Partnerships

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Brand Development
13. Social Enterprise Marketing
https://growensemble.com/social-enterprise-marketing/
o Core Principles of Marketing a Social Enterprise
o Key Metrics and Tracking
o 6 step Digital Marketing System for Social Enterprises

14. A Guide to 25 of the Best Marketing Strategies For Social Entrepreneurs

https://changecreator.com/best-marketing-strategies/
o Questions to Ask when developing your Marketing Strategy
o Need for Marketing Strategy as a Social Entrepreneur
o Some Proven Tips for Improving your Social Media Reach

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Financial Resource Development
1. Introduction to Financial Management for NGOs
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/financial-management-basics-ngos-samina-khushi/

2. Financial Basics Handbook

https://www.humentum.org/sites/default/files/free_resources/G-FME-Handbook-web-versio
n-Mar-18.pdf
a. Building Blocks and Principles of Financial Management: Pages 15-30
b. Budgeting Process: Pages 34-50
c. Managing Risk and Safeguarding Assets: Pages 129-134
d. Principles of Procurement: Pages 144-149
e. Fraud and Corruption: Pages 159-175

3. Resource Mobilization Strategy toolkit

https://data.unaids.org/publications/irc-pub06/jc579-strategies_ngo_en.pdf

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Financial Resource Development
4. Creating a fundraising strategy
https://idronline.org/creating-fundraising-strategies-for-nonprofits/
a. Institutional Funding
b. CSR Funding
c. Grants from HNIs
d. Retail Fundraising
e. Digital Fundraising

5. New Amendments to the CSR Act

https://idronline.org/new-csr-act-amendments-updates-and-all-you-need-to-know/
○ Eligible CSR Spends
○ Treatment of unspent, excess, or surplus CSR amounts
○ Impact Assessment
○ Governance and Transparency
○ Support from international organisations
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Financial Resource Development
6. Lessons in Crowdfunding
https://www.humentum.org/sites/default/files/free_resources/G-FME-Handbook-web-version-Mar
-18.pdf
○ Five strategies that worked
○ Five strategies that did not work
○ Crowdfunding Model

7. Organizing Financing and Resource Generation

https://www.synergos.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/foundationfinancing.pdf
○ Initial Funding Choices-Page 10
○ Diversification of Funding-Page 16

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 Miscellaneous
1. A Comprehensive Guide to Design Thinking
https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/ux-design/what-is-design-thinking-everything-you-need-to-
know-to-get-started/
o The Four Principles of Design Thinking
o The Five Phases of Design Thinking
o Design Thinking in the workplace: How do design thinking, lean and agile work together?
o Design Thinking Methodology in Action

2. The Competitive Advantage of Social Enterprises

https://ssir.org/articles/entry/the_competitive_advantage_of_social_enterprises

3. What Business Can Learn from Nonprofits

https://hbr.org/1989/07/what-business-can-learn-from-nonprofits

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 Miscellaneous
4. The State of Social Enterprises in India
https://www.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/bc-report-ch4-india-digital_0.pdf
o Overview of key actors in social enterprise in India - Page 5
o Sectors that social enterprises work in-Page 13
o Finance Sources and Constraints-Page 18

5. Ten Nonprofit Funding Models

https://ssir.org/articles/entry/ten_nonprofit_funding_models

6. Five Toolkits for Social Enterprises

https://acumenacademy.org/blog/5-toolkits-social-enterprise

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 Thank you
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