From Stuck to Soaring: Four challenges that impede sustainable impact

Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked alongside nonprofits, government agencies, and mission-driven organizations of every shape and size. And while every team, mission, and program is unique, certain challenges came up over and over again—roadblocks that stop great ideas from becoming tangible results.

What struck me most was that there wasn’t enough support out there to address these issues in a way that truly embraced the values of impact-driven organizations. Sure, there were plenty of consultants offering templates and frameworks. But what about the human side of change? The joy of solving tough problems together? The stress and fear that can accompany uncertainty and change? The focus on action that’s not only clear but also manageable and exciting?

That’s why I started Viking Impact Advisors: to be a different kind of consultancy. I wanted to be a partner for organizations who are ready to make a difference but need guidance to turn bold ideas into lasting impact. At Viking Impact, we don’t just talk about values—we bring them to life. We create plans that people are excited and able to implement, help you navigate through the rough currents of change, and ensure that every solution we deliver is as practical as it is inspiring.

And we do it with joy and compassion. Because the process of change should energize you, not exhaust you.

Below, I share the four biggest challenges I’ve seen mission-driven organizations face—and how Viking Impact helps you turn those challenges into opportunities for meaningful impact. Do these resonate? Please share your thoughts and feedback at the bottom. 

1️⃣ Plans That Don’t Work: Breaking the Buy-In Barrier: Strategic plans often fail because they’re too dense, exclude stakeholder voices, or set overly ambitious goals, leaving teams disconnected from the vision.

2️⃣The Maze of Funding: Simplifying Complex Processes
Navigating complex grant requirements and aligning ideas with funder priorities can feel overwhelming, preventing organizations from securing critical resources.

3️⃣Turning Equity into Action: Making Progress Measurable
Organizations committed to equity often struggle to operationalize their values, lacking clear metrics and systems to track meaningful progress.

4️⃣The Struggle to Be Seen: Telling Your Story Effectively
Communicating impact effectively is a challenge for organizations that lack the time, tools, or expertise to craft compelling narratives for stakeholders and funders.

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1. Plans That Don’t Work: Breaking the Buy-In Barrier

The Need: You’ve spent weeks—or months—creating a strategic plan. It’s ambitious, forward-thinking, and packed with ideas. But when it’s time to implement, you hit a wall. Why? Because no one really understands it or feels connected to it.

• The document is too dense, overwhelming, or boring.

• Important stakeholders weren’t included in the process, so they don’t see themselves in the plan or the solutions.

• The goals feel too ambitious, vague, or disconnected from daily work.

Without stakeholder buy-in, even the best-laid plans fall flat.

The Response: Viking Impact ensures that planning for future impact is an inclusive, engaging process. We collaborate with your team to create clear, actionable plans that reflect the voices and needs of your stakeholders. Our approach produces plans that aren’t just read but embraced—guiding real action and measurable results.

Example: The Central Ohio Workforce Development Network needed a plan to unify its 14 member organizations and establish a "no wrong door" approach for jobseekers. Viking Impact led a collaborative, equity-focused planning process using our RESPECT approach, ensuring every voice was heard. The result? A three-year strategic plan with SMARTIE (Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Realistic, Time-bound, Inclusive, Enjoyable) goals that stakeholders are excited to implement.

2. The Maze of Funding: Simplifying Complex Processes

The Need: Funding is the lifeblood of any organization, but it often feels like a maze. Grants come with complex requirements, dense RFPs, and stiff competition. Organizations need more than just good ideas; they need to align their vision with funders’ priorities and present a winning case.

The Response: Viking Impact specializes in raising funds for impact. From crafting compelling grant narratives to developing institutional grant capabilities, we help you secure the resources you need to sustain and grow.

Example: For the CAYL Institute in Boston, Viking Impact’s CEO supported the design and submission of a successful proposal to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Good Jobs Challenge. The result? $7.8 million in funding to develop an employer-driven early childhood sector strategy that is on track to help over 700 unemployed or underemployed people from historically marginalized groups achieve good jobs in the early childhood sector. 

3. Turning Equity into Action: Making Progress Measurable

The Need: Many organizations are deeply committed to equity but struggle to operationalize it. How do you move from values to action? Without clear goals, metrics, and a culture of learning, equity work often feels vague or stalled.

The Response: Viking Impact helps you know your impact by defining meaningful metrics and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and learning. We guide organizations to align their programs with their equity goals and create systems for measuring success.

Example: In a Georgetown University class on social impact evaluation, Viking Impact’s CEO guides nonprofit leaders on how to clarify pathways to impact and integrate equity into their metrics. By combining data practices, storytelling, and organizational learning, participants leave with practical tools to track progress and foster real change.

4. The Struggle to Be Seen: Telling Your Story Effectively

The Need: You’re doing incredible work, but no one seems to know about it—or understand its full impact. Funders want data, stakeholders want stories, and the public wants to know why your work matters. Crafting a clear, compelling narrative can feel overwhelming when you’re busy doing the work. 

The Response: With our expertise in telling your impact story, Viking Impact helps you craft narratives that resonate. Whether it’s through data-driven reports, promotional materials, or stakeholder communications, we ensure your story reaches the right audience with clarity and confidence.

Example: In a prior role with Third Sector Capital Partners, Viking Impact’s CEO developed narratives and materials to communicate the value of innovative contracting models like pay-for-performance. These tools helped local governments and workforce boards secure buy-in from stakeholders and advance transformational funding initiatives.

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