FOR NONPROFITS

Selection & project criteria

Is a CCT project right for your organization? To make the most of CCT volunteer effort, a nonprofit needs to have reached an appropriate stage of development and size. Here’s what we look for in an organization, and in its ability to support a project.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Who we work with

To ensure the success of the consulting engagement, CCT looks for organizational stability, demonstrated need, and readiness for a project. Your organization should have:

501(c)(3) status as a nonprofit organization
A compelling mission
A full-time, paid Executive Director and at least three full-time paid staff
An established Board of Directors
An annual budget of roughly $500,000 to $5 million
A location in the greater Boston area
Constituents in youth, healthcare, social action & advocacy, education, human services, environment/energy, or the arts
No religious or political affiliation

PROJECT CRITERIA

What makes a strong project

Potential projects should:

Address a high-priority, strategic challenge
Have well-defined goals achievable by a volunteer team of 6–8 consultants working 3–5 hours per week from January to late May/early June
Have the sponsorship of the organization’s leadership: both the Executive Director and the Board Chair
Common project types from successful past applicants: business plan feasibility analysis, marketing or membership strategies, operational effectiveness, and organization design and resource usage

Read the FAQs

WHAT A STRONG APPLICATION LOOKS LIKE

Come with the question, not the answer.

“CCT was thorough and gave us excellent recommendations. As a result, we are a more stable organization now; we have more funding and have increased our programming.”

— Stockton Reece, Executive Director, Community Boat Building

North Shore Community College students, a CCT client

Ready to apply?

Applications for 2027–2028 Signature projects will be accepted from July through early September 2027. Inquiries about Consulting Sprints and other support are welcome year-round.