Case study·Higher education and research
Leadership needed to clarify direction quickly without losing the Institute’s global credibility, academic rigor, or mission-driven identity.
The engagement
In 2024 to 2025, IGHS faced a destabilizing moment. Shifts in U.S. federal funding priorities and reductions from major global health funders created uncertainty across programs, partnerships, and staffing. Leadership needed to clarify direction quickly without losing the Institute’s global credibility, academic rigor, or mission-driven identity.
Caravann partnered with IGHS leadership to design and facilitate a multi-phase strategic planning process grounded in reality, not wishful thinking. We synthesized insights from a comprehensive needs assessment, conducted deep stakeholder listening across faculty, staff, and partners, and helped leadership name the hard tradeoffs ahead. Rather than producing a static strategy deck, we focused on:
IGHS emerged with a shared strategic narrative, sharper prioritization, and a practical roadmap to guide decisions during volatility. Leadership gained alignment on what to protect, what to evolve, and what to stop, creating a foundation for sustainable growth, clearer partnerships, and more confident fundraising conversations.
In their words
Caravann was an invaluable partner to us during a period of significant change and financial uncertainty. They brought creativity, adaptability, and a genuine willingness to meet us where we were, becoming one of our strongest allies as we navigated some very difficult decisions. They helped us embrace the idea that you should never waste a good crisis; using a tumultuous period as an opportunity to listen deeply, challenge assumptions, and build something stronger. We emerged with a sound strategic plan that reflected a real diversity of perspectives across our organization and gave us a clearer path forward. I would enthusiastically recommend Caravann to any leader looking for a thoughtful, creative, and trusted partner in navigating complexity and change.
Public artifact
To view a copy of the full strategic plan, click here.
More work
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