For years, Our Local History was small but mighty, driven by passion and our commitment to preserving and sharing the stories that shaped our communities. Their work originally bloomed in the classrooms of Shane Wiegand and Kesha James, slowly but surely spreading throughout the community as the hunger for local civil rights stories became clear. As Our Local History’s scope and ambitions grew, so did its organizational needs. While their first fiscal sponsor was extremely supportive, it lacked some of the capacity and scalability Our Local History needed to reach their potential – in particular, incorporation into a consulting team and back-end infrastructure to keep pace with the increasing demand for their services. Their growing organization was hitting a ceiling in terms of what it could accomplish without robust operational support. There was a need for clear structure and expert guidance in areas like budgeting, fiscal management, and HR. More broadly, they were looking for a work setting that was committed to their values.

This is where CCSI stepped in, and the impact has been transformative. For organizations like Our Local History, CCSI is a true partner, offering a comprehensive suite of services that empowers smaller non-profits to achieve their full potential. Here’s how CCSI helped Our Local History:

• Solving the Capacity Crisis: The problem Our Local History faced was a lack of internal capacity to handle growing operational demands. CCSI provided the immediate and expert back-end support needed in areas like communications, finance, development, and IT. This has freed up staff time and energy to focus on the core mission.
  
• Being Part of a Consulting Team: Incorporating into CCSI’s larger consulting structure has given Our Local History access to new resources and expert guidance.
  
• Key HR Support: As Our Local History grew, so did HR needs. CCSI has provided crucial HR support, from onboarding to policy development, ensuring Our Local History has been able to attract and retain a talented team.
  
• Freedom with Structure: Our Local History wanted the freedom to maintain their unique identity and approach, but with the peace of mind that came from clear support and structure. CCSI has delivered on this promise, providing the frameworks and expertise Our Local History needs, allowing them to innovate and grow without getting bogged down in administrative complexities.

For any organization feeling the growing pains, struggling to scale, or simply seeking comprehensive, tailored support, we wholeheartedly recommend exploring a partnership with CCSI. They truly understand the needs of smaller organizations and provide the essential tools and expertise to not only survive but to thrive and make an even greater difference in our communities. Our Local History is a testament to what’s possible when you find the right partner for growth.