George Gund Foundation &
The Cleveland Foundation
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Designed and facilitated a cohort-based board development and strategic planning program for Cleveland arts and culture organizations.
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Conducted board and organizational assessments paired with customized coaching and peer learning convenings.
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Supported participating organizations in clarifying governance roles, strengthening board–executive alignment, and developing actionable strategic and implementation plans.
website: https://www.gundfoundation.org/
Board Development and Strategic Planning
In 2025, Sangfroid Strategy partnered with the George Gund Foundation and The Cleveland Foundation to design and facilitate an Organizational and Board Development Cohort for five Cleveland-based arts and culture organizations. At a time of heightened governance, leadership, and financial challenges across the sector, this joint initiative focused on strengthening board effectiveness, clarifying strategic direction, and supporting long-term organizational resilience. Sangfroid Strategy led a structured, cohort-based process that combined organizational assessments, one-on-one coaching, peer learning convenings, and customized planning sessions for participating organizations. The work centered on clarifying board roles and responsibilities, strengthening board–executive alignment, and translating strategic priorities into actionable plans. By pairing tailored organizational support with shared learning and accountability across the cohort, the engagement equipped participating organizations with practical governance tools, draft multi-year strategic frameworks, and near-term implementation plans—while also fostering a durable peer network and advancing the foundations’ shared commitment to a stronger, more sustainable arts and culture ecosystem in Greater Cleveland.