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By Deo Mwano ConsultancyOver the years, DMC has been deeply involved in numerous initiatives that bring together multiple stakeholders. We are often brought into these efforts as the glue, the bridge, and a strategic partner to help ensure the initiative’s success. Our role frequently includes conducting feasibility studies to understand how people feel about the experiences the initiative aims to improve. We’re also tasked with keeping diverse stakeholders energized and engaged by managing communication and coordinating representation to ensure everyone feels included and values the effort. In some cases, we’re hired to advise on how resources should be allocated to address specific needs or gaps identified throughout the process.We’ve learned that for these efforts to succeed, several critical elements must be in place. We've also seen many promising initiatives stall or fail—not due to a lack of passion, but because of gaps in execution.These collaborations are typically driven by aspirational goals—goals that unite people and inspire collective action. We’ve had the privilege of contributing to cross-sector initiatives in healthcare, education, substance use disorder, workforce development, economic development, housing and transportation, civility, and broader social impact.To ensure the success of multi-stakeholder initiatives, the following components are essential:Clear communicationStrong alignmentFull transparencyManageable goals and milestonesFair distribution of resourcesIn this article, we focus on communication and transparency—two foundational pillars we believe are crucial for any collaborative effort. We will explore the remaining areas in future issues.Communication: The Lifeline of CollaborationEffective communication is the heartbeat of any successful initiative. There must be clear roles assigned for who is responsible for regularly communicating updates, decisions, and changes. Communication should be proactive, not reactive.This means:Establishing a consistent rhythm of updatesUsing multiple channels (email, messaging groups, video updates, live meetings)Encouraging feedback and dialogueTailoring messages to how updates may impact different stakeholdersAssuming that everyone is automatically informed leads to confusion and disengagement. Leaders must over-communicate rather than under-communicate, providing both context and clarity behind decisions. Communication needs to include not just the “what,” but the “why.”It’s essential that leaders allocate the necessary resources to support robust communication. This could mean staffing communication leads, developing toolkits, or investing in platforms that enable easy sharing and feedback.Transparency: Building Trust and Preventing FracturesTransparency is the foundation of trust in multi-stakeholder initiatives. When leaders are open about challenges, shifts in scope, and the reasons behind tough decisions, stakeholders are more likely to stay committed and solution-focused.Lack of transparency often leads to speculation, mistrust, and disengagement. Even well-intentioned withholding of information—perhaps to avoid panic or while seeking solutions—can backfire if stakeholders later feel blindsided or excluded.Transparency is especially vital when resources are involved. Some initiatives are funded through public grants or private foundations. Shifts in funding—whether reductions or reallocations—can have significant impacts on partner organizations that have structured their operations around those commitments.Being honest about changes, as early as possible, is key to maintaining credibility and goodwill. Stakeholders need time to adjust. Transparency doesn’t mean you must share every detail immediately, but it does mean being accountable and open about the realities of what’s happening.Final ThoughtsIt is the responsibility of initiative leaders to champion both effective communication and transparent leadership. Without these, initiatives risk losing momentum and stakeholder confidence. In time, cynicism can take root—diminishing the impact of even the most well-meaning efforts.As we continue working across sectors and communities, DMC remains committed to fostering partnerships rooted in trust, clarity, and collaboration. The DMC Community Transformation Team brings over 25 years of combined experience, collaborating with nonprofits, cities and towns, grant makers, and other nonprofits to make a positive impact. DMC has successfully created programs and campaigns that bridge diverse communities, addressing root causes of problems and facilitating sustainable solutions.

ARMI Manchester Millyard Transportation StudyConducted by DMC | February 2024In February 2024, Deo Mwano Consultancy (DMC) conducted a transportation study in Manchester, NH to better understand residents' experiences and perspectives around transportation, parking, and commuting, specifically in the Manchester Millyard area.This study was carried out in partnership with ARMI (Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute) and the Manchester Economic Development Office, as part of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge Grant awarded to ARMI and the City of Manchester. The grant supports efforts to scale workforce access and opportunity in the biofabrication industry.A key component of the initiative is identifying barriers that limit access in this growing sector—specifically in the areas of childcare, housing, and transportation. DMC focused on the transportation portion of the work, with a deliberate approach to include all voices.Study Approach and OutreachWe engaged 500 participants through surveys, listening sessions, and one-on-one interviews. DMC took an innovative, grassroots approach by meeting people where they already gather—such as bus stops, community centers, and temp agencies across the city—to better understand their day-to-day commuting realities. Key FindingsThe study revealed a diverse range of needs:Some residents prioritized better pedestrian pathwaysOthers emphasized biking infrastructureMany expressed the need for improved parking accessOthers focused on more frequent and reliable bus routesThe findings affirm that transportation solutions must be multifaceted and community-specific—there is no one-size-fits-all approach.This study was part of a larger research effort led by Volpe, U.S. Department of Transportation, under ARMI’s coordination.Next StepsThe insights from this study will be shared more broadly during the upcoming:ReGen Valley Tech Hub Community Update EventMay 23, 2025Deo Mwano, DMC’s CEO, will be featured as a panelist during a fireside chat discussion.Event Link:ReGen Valley Tech Hub Community Update The DMC Community Transformation Team brings over 25 years of combined experience, collaborating with nonprofits, cities and towns, grant makers, and other nonprofits to make a positive impact. DMC has successfully created programs and campaigns that bridge diverse communities, addressing root causes of problems and facilitating sustainable solutions.

NH Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA), Granite United Way, & DMC – Center City InitiativeOne year ago, DMC completed a feasibility study that engaged over 68 individuals from the Beech Street School neighborhood in Manchester, NH. The study focused on understanding existing resources and place-based supports for youth in the community. It revealed both promising successes and significant needs affecting young people in the area.Following the sale of a building previously funded by the NH Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA), CDFA received proceeds from the transaction and made a commitment to reinvest those funds into the local community. Drawing on insights from the feasibility study, NHCDFA has chosen to invest in revitalization efforts surrounding the Beech Street School—directly aligned with the feedback and priorities shared by community members.A portion of the proceeds will be used to launch a one-time grant program to support nonprofits and initiatives serving youth in the Beech Street School neighborhood. Each selected organization will receive up to $10,000 in funding.The grant program will be community-led, with decisions made by an advisory board of 6 to 8 local representatives. DMC, in partnership with Granite United Way, will work closely with the advisory group to guide the grant selection process.The program officially launches in May, and we at DMC are proud to be a part of this impactful initiative—one that channels community voices and insights into direct, meaningful investment. The DMC Community Transformation Team brings over 25 years of combined experience, collaborating with nonprofits, cities and towns, grant makers, and other nonprofits to make a positive impact. DMC has successfully created programs and campaigns that bridge diverse communities, addressing root causes of problems and facilitating sustainable solutions.

Written by Millicent AlhamisWhat happens when young people are told, "You can’t," versus when they hear, "You can, and we will support you"? That single shift in messaging can change the course of someone’s life.We often talk about the importance of investing in the next generation, but what does that really mean? What does it look like in action? For some, it’s access to quality education. For others, it’s having a mentor who sees their potential before they even recognize it themselves. And for many, it’s simply the opportunity to be seen, heard, and supported.For the past three years, Deo Mwano Consultancy (DMC) has played a role of coming alongside Manchester students and supporting their pursuit of a post high school career through the Persevere to Excel Scholarship. What started as a small initiative to recognize a few hardworking students has grown into a movement, a commitment to ensuring that young people especially those who are often overlooked know that their perseverance matters.But let’s be clear: perseverance alone isn’t enough.We see it every year in the essays students submit. These are young people who have faced challenges, but are still able to keep pushing forward because they believe in something bigger for themselves. It is about preserving and excelling. It is being able to move forward by growing and developing, despite the struggles and obstacles you face. The Cost of Not Investing in YouthWhen young people aren’t given access to opportunities, the consequences don’t just impact them, they impact all of us. A student who doesn’t have the resources to attend college, trade school, or any further education doesn’t just miss out on an education; we, as a society, lose the potential contributions they could have made.There should be focus on the pursuit of greater impact by making the investment needed for them to gain some sort of skill sets that will propel them forward. These skillsets need to be holistic and not limited to just college. DMC makes the commitment to come alongside the students in recognizing them and giving them a little something to show them that the community is behind them and is in support of their success despite challenges they have experienced in the past or experiencing now.Imagine how many future teachers, entrepreneurs, engineers, and artists we never get to see rise simply because they did not believe they can achieve success or they were not given the opportunity to feel supported to pursue the challenging stuff. The barriers they face are not just personal failures, they are also structural realities that we have the power to change. Coming alongside is critical in an extra boost of external affirmation, the “You can do it!”. Some students are yearning for that in order to believe in the possibility of the future. The impact of investing in youth extends beyond the individuals who receive help. When we lift one student up, they turn around and lift others. They mentor younger students. They break generational cycles. They return to their communities, not just as professionals, but as role models who prove that success is possible.The Responsibility to ActThe challenge isn’t that young people lack ambition, it's that too many lack resources and people cheering and championing them to do the hard work that will amount to successful achievement. That is why our scholarship isn’t about grades or financial need alone, it's about perseverance, in all its unique and deeply personal forms. We have never chosen winners based on a single definition of success. We look for students who show us what perseverance means to them, because we know that determination takes many shapes.In addition, we host an award event to celebrate the winners of the scholarship. We invite our alumni who have been recipients of the scholarship to come back and tell their stories of what the scholarship meant to them, as well as how they are utilizing their strengths and positive mindsets to move forward and continue to persevere forward. Their testimonies are powerful for the other students, family members and community leaders who attend the scholarship to hear about their continued journey.But supporting youth doesn’t start or stop with scholarships. It starts in everyday moments in the conversations we have, the doors we open, and the encouragement we offer. When we listen to young people, when we show up for them, when we create spaces where they can grow, we shift what is possible. We create access. We remove barriers. We show them that their dreams are not only valid, but achievable.Too often, we assume that investing in youth is the job of schools, nonprofits, or government programs. But if we truly believe in community transformation, we have to recognize that it’s our job, too. Every one of us has the power to create an opportunity, whether by mentoring a student, sharing career advice, or simply acknowledging their potential.The true measure of a community’s success isn’t just found in its businesses, policies, or economy, it’s found in the opportunities it creates for its young people. The future isn’t built by chance. It’s built by those willing to reach back and lift the next generation forward.If we want a stronger community, a more equitable society, and a future where young people can truly thrive, we need to do more than just talk about supporting them. We need to act. We need to invest. We need to show up.The question isn’t whether young people are ready for the future. The real question is are we ready to support them? The DMC Community Transformation Team brings over 25 years of combined experience, collaborating with nonprofits, cities and towns, grant makers, and other nonprofits to make a positive impact. DMC has successfully created programs and campaigns that bridge diverse communities, addressing root causes of problems and facilitating sustainable solutions.

Written by Millicent AlhamisThe journey from vision to action is often filled with challenges, especially during political transitions. For grantmakers, these challenges are even more pronounced as shifting policies and funding priorities threaten to derail critical initiatives—many of which support underrepresented communities. Organizations that have long relied on federal grants to sustain essential programs now face uncertainty, making the role of private and institutional grantmakers more crucial than ever.The Ripple Effect of Federal Grant CutsMany organizations benefit from federal grants and loans, even if they do not receive funding directly. Often, larger organizations act as intermediaries, distributing these resources to multiple entities. When federal funding is reduced or eliminated, the negative ripple effect extends far beyond individual organizations, impacting entire networks and the communities they serve.As a new administration takes office, these disparities will become even more apparent. Over the past four years, significant resources were allocated to social support programs, particularly in response to the pandemic. Many of these funding streams have now dried up, leaving organizations scrambling to fill the gaps. The abrupt pause in federal grants and loans further compounds the issue, putting vital services at risk.The Need for Proactive GrantmakingTo navigate these uncertainties, grantmakers must act boldly and strategically. Now is the time to identify the areas of greatest need and invest in organizations facing funding shortfalls. Without swift and targeted action, these challenges will only intensify, disproportionately affecting communities that have already been historically marginalized.The call to action is clear: Grantmakers have a unique opportunity to step in where federal support has been withdrawn. By prioritizing funding for organizations, they can help sustain progress, empower communities, and ensure that critical services remain available. The future depends on the decisions made today—will grantmakers rise to meet the moment?A Blueprint for Sustainable ImpactThrough our work with grantmakers and community organizations, we have seen firsthand how intentional support can help nonprofits sustain their missions despite uncertain funding landscapes. In a recent initiative, we conducted assessments of equity-focused funding recipients, identifying critical gaps in resources, structural support, and workforce sustainability. This process highlighted the importance of deeper engagement between grantmakers and the organizations they fund, ensuring that financial support is paired with strategic guidance to create lasting change.The insights gained from this work provide a valuable lens through which grantmakers can evaluate their own approaches in 2025. By shifting from selective funding to proactive impact funding strategies, they can not only preserve existing programs but also foster long-term, sustainable change. The opportunity is now—let’s create a future where funding drives real impact and communities continue to thrive. Grantmakers have the power to take bold action, deploying resources strategically and responsively to close gaps and meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve.Four Immediate Actions Grantmakers Can Take to Close Funding GapsIdentify At-Risk Organizations – Conduct a rapid assessment to pinpoint nonprofits and programs most affected by federal funding freezes and prioritize them for immediate support.Provide Bridge Funding – Offer short-term emergency grants or flexible funding options to help organizations maintain operations while seeking alternative long-term funding.Strengthen Capacity Building – Support grantees with technical assistance, strategic planning, and grant-writing resources to help them secure sustainable funding from diverse sources.Advocate and Collaborate – Partner with other funders, policymakers, and stakeholders to push for alternative funding mechanisms and amplify the needs of affected organizations. The DMC Community Transformation Team brings over 25 years of combined experience, collaborating with nonprofits, cities and towns, grant makers, and other nonprofits to make a positive impact. DMC has successfully created programs and campaigns that bridge diverse communities, addressing root causes of problems and facilitating sustainable solutions.

Written by Millicent AlhamisSmall businesses are more than just storefronts and service providers; they’re the soul of our communities. They bring vibrancy to neighborhoods, provide essential goods and services, and often offer a personal touch that larger corporations simply can’t. Yet, when it comes to accessing resources, these businesses face challenges that can feel impossible especially when navigating programs designed to help them.Take the ARPA Small Business Support initiative in Manchester, for example. This program aimed to help businesses recover from the pandemic and build capacity through a three-phase approach, culminating in the 360 Business Success Program. On paper, it sounds straightforward: here’s a framework, follow the steps, and access the benefits. But the reality on the ground paints a different picture. For many small businesses, particularly those owned by people from minority communities, even knowing where to begin can be overwhelming. This isn’t a failure of effort; it’s a lack of tailored support. And that’s where the real work begins.The truth is, most small businesses don’t have the luxury of an administrative team to handle paperwork or the know-how to navigate complex application systems. When grant requirements call for detailed documentation, certifications, or registrations often with no clear instructions, business owners are left juggling these tasks on top of running their day-to-day operations. For seasonal businesses or those with limited staff, this can mean making impossible choices: do I spend my time filling out forms, or do I serve my customers and keep my doors open? It’s not enough to say, “Here’s a grant or resource; go get it.”, instead, support needs to meet businesses where they are literally and figuratively. That means offering hands-on guidance to help owners understand what’s required, walking them through processes like setting up federal registrations, and ensuring they feel confident completing applications.Programs like the 360 Business Success Program thrived because consultants work directly with business owners, filling gaps in knowledge and capacity rather than expecting them to figure it out alone. Not all businesses have the same starting point. Many minority-owned and immigrant-run businesses, for instance, face additional barriers such as language differences, lack of access to networks, or unfamiliarity with local systems and it’s not enough to hand over a list of requirements and hope for the best. Support could include providing translation services, technical assistance, or even helping businesses prioritize their goals to ensure they’re focusing on what will benefit them most in the long term.One of the most rewarding aspects of this work for us has been helping businesses uncover needs they didn’t even realize they had. Many initially sought funding for equipment or physical upgrades, but with a bit of guidance, they discovered other areas that would create more lasting impact like improving their digital marketing, streamlining their operations, or building stronger customer engagement strategies. By offering tailored advice and consistent support, we’ve seen business owners thrive in ways they didn’t think were possible.The question we need to ask ourselves is this: how can we show up better for our small businesses? It starts with recognizing that what they often lack isn’t ambition or talent—it’s support. Whether it’s simplifying processes, providing step-by-step assistance, or simply asking, “What do you need most right now?” The key is to create systems that are as inclusive and flexible as the businesses they’re meant to serve. Small businesses are resilient, but they shouldn’t have to carry the weight of bureaucracy alone. When we invest in helping small businesses succeed, we’re investing in the health and vitality of our communities. And that’s a win for all of us. The DMC Community Transformation Team brings over 25 years of combined experience, collaborating with nonprofits, cities and towns, grant makers, and other nonprofits to make a positive impact. DMC has successfully created programs and campaigns that bridge diverse communities, addressing root causes of problems and facilitating sustainable solutions.