How RIC supported a Black-led organization through leadership change with structure, clarity, and sustainable grant systems.
Written by: Monique Nunnally
During a critical period of transition, Black Futures Lab was navigating the complex process of becoming an independent organization. With a small executive team balancing competing priorities, the organization faced a difficult season where capacity for grant development and reporting was stretched thin. These demands were especially pressing, as timely and high-quality grant work was essential for maintaining funding and credibility with key partners.
I stepped in to provide additional capacity during this transition, supporting the team in organizing their grant work and ensuring deadlines were consistently met. Together, we coordinated the creation of a grants tracker and dashboard that centralized all deadlines and deliverables, making it easier for the executive team to manage priorities and reduce the stress of overlapping tasks. I also developed quick grant templates that allowed staff to access language and content more efficiently, ensuring consistency across proposals and reports.
Recognizing the pressure the team was under, I emphasized regular check-ins to keep us on schedule and aligned. These meetings became a space not only for tracking progress but also for troubleshooting challenges as they arose. By combining structure, tools, and continuous communication, we built systems that supported the organization through its transition.
As a result, Black Futures Lab was able to meet all of its critical grant deadlines despite the challenges of becoming an independent entity. The improved organization and efficiency allowed the executive team to focus on their broader leadership responsibilities while knowing that their grant development and reporting needs were managed. My support helped the organization weather a tough season without losing momentum or jeopardizing key funding opportunities.
