Proof in Practice
Real stories of evaluation and strategy in action.
Explore how our partnerships translate into impact, with projects that reflect clarity, collaboration, and real results.
City of Syracuse, Department of Neighborhood and Business Development
A&O provided individualized technical assistance tailored to the unique strengths and challenges of small, community-based organizations receiving U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development CDBG funds.
Paige’s Butterfly Run (PBR)
A&O facilitated a comprehensive capacity assessment and strategic sustainability planning process to create a sustainability roadmap for Paige’s Butterfly Run to ensure they could continue its mission beyond its founders.
Contact Community Services
A&O designed and facilitated a discovery-driven planning process to develop a new strategic plan for Contact Community Services to guide operations, strengthen organizational culture, and expand impact
Skaneateles Festival
A&O was engaged to design and facilitate a capacity assessment and strategic planning process to guide the Skaneateles Fesitval to to a new chapter.
New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB)
A&O designed and led two statewide mixed-methods needs assessments (2021, 2024).
City’s First Readers (CFR)
A&O has served as CFR’s independent evaluator for more than six years, helping partners clarify goals, outcomes, and evaluation capacity.
Unity House
A&O facilitated a strategic planning process followed by 18 months of performance management coaching for Unity House.
Gifford Foundation
Cynthia O’Connor delivered Lifecycle consultations to nonprofits participating in the ADVANS initiative needed structured support to assess and strengthen their internal infrastructure and long-term sustainability.
Erie Canal Museum, Canal Landing, Skaneateles Historical Society
A&O provided strategic planning support for these Central New York arts organizations needed help revisiting and refining their missions, activities, and strategic goals.
CNY Community Foundation
A&O conducted background research, guided the management team, and facilitated a task force of 25 community leaders through a six-month strategic planning process for the CNY Community Foundation.
American Immunization Registry Association (AIRA)
A&O partnered with Clear Blue Associates to lead a five-month strategic planning and capacity-building initiative, anchored by Susan Kenny Stevens’ Nonprofit Lifecycles framework.
Literacy Powerline
A&O supported Literacy Powerline in coalition-building, provided technical assistance for implementation, and conducted evaluations using participatory models to build local ownership.