Case Study: Designing Equitable Processes

How can we redesign a grant-making process to be more equitable and align disparate decision-makers on a new strategy?    

At a Glance 

Client:
Corporate Foundation

Goal:
Implement equitable processes tied to new grant-making strategy

Service:
Training and Development

The Opportunity 

A top 15 commercial US bank recently completed a major merger. The bank’s new combined corporate foundation launched a new community grant-making strategy and needed help implementing the new strategy throughout its banking regions. In alignment with their new strategic focus on underserved and underrepresented populations, the Foundation wanted help identifying opportunities for more equitable processes and preparing local markets for the shift in strategy and process in their communities. 

The Foundation wanted help identifying opportunities for more equitable processes and preparing local markets for the shift in strategy.

The Solution 

We began by gathering perspectives from both bank and foundation executives and board members about the role of the foundation in supporting the purpose, strategy, and brand of the new bank entity. We applied Paradox’s Equitable Process Framework™ to redesign processes to be more equitable in alignment with their new strategic focus on underserved and underrepresented communities. 

Then, we conducted training with all the foundation’s regional committees, which were comprised of bank executives in each market, to build awareness about the link between the bank’s purpose and the foundation’s operations. We also trained the committees on the redesigned grant-making processes and systems, as well as equity concepts. We used case studies and interactive activities to solidify learning concepts and establish equitable operating norms for the new teams. 

The Impact

90% of participants were satisfied with the training workshop. As a result, the regional committees gained clarity and confidence in the new strategic focus. The committee members built awareness about equitable design concepts that translated into other parts of their business. The training provided a solid foundation to communicate and implement the new strategy in the midst of extensive organizational change.  

“I was impressed with the agenda, flow, and the amount of information I came away with. One of the best workshops I have been to!”

– Workshop Participant at Client Organization