WHAT WE DO

Over the past 25 years+, we have worked on over 980 projects and assisted over 260 clients including nonprofit service providers, state and local governmental agencies, foundations, and state and local associations throughout the United States.

We recognize that every client is different and every project is unique. Our experienced project managers invest in creating lasting relationships and developing a clear understanding of a client’s needs before moving forward with any project. In this way, we ensure that our approach is customized, and all outcomes and final products are tailored to each client’s unique situation and presented in actionable, digestible formats.

We approach each project with a focus on quality, continually striving to bring our clients the best practices from the nonprofit, public, and business sectors.

OUR CLIENTS

We focus our efforts on supporting organizations who help people. Over the past ten years alone, we have supported over 80 organizations including state and county public health and social services departments, community based organizations and non-profits, Continuums of Care and housing providers, institutions of higher education, and First 5 organizations in ten out of California’s 58 counties.

RECENT CLIENTS

Scroll through the banner below to see examples of some recent clients we worked with. A full client list is available upon request by emailing contact@socialent.com.

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State of Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD)
Nevada Office of the Attorney General
Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS)
Division of Public & Behavioral Health (DPBH)
Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS)

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

We truly believe in the power of continuous quality improvement, and connect with clients following the close of a project to better understand their experience and how our team can strengthen our supports in the future.

Based on client feedback:

100% of clients indicated that SEI staff took the time to understand their needs and those of their organization
100% of clients indicated that SEI showed uncompromising integrity and ethics
100% of clients indicated that SEI was responsive to their needs and requests
100% of clients indicated the project was completed on time or, if late, was completed as fast and efficiently as possible under the circumstances
100% of clients indicated that SEI worked well with them and/or their staff

Percents are based on responses of 5 or 6 within a scale of 1-strongly disagree and 6-strongly agree.

OUR SERVICES

We offer a full range of top quality professional services to assist nonprofit and public organizations with virtually any type of planning, organizational development, evaluation, data analysis, needs assessment, or operational situation.

You can learn more about the services we offer by clicking on each service type below.

CAPACITY BUILDING

SEI’s capacity building services revolve around a fundamental question: "How can I elevate my organization to the next level?" Finding the answer to this question can be a complex task, particularly for those who are engaged in the day-to-day operations of an organization. However, when you turn to SEI with this question, we respond with a comprehensive and unbiased assessment of your organization's current capabilities. We then compare these capabilities to best practices in the nonprofit, public, and for-profit sectors. The outcome is a clear assessment of areas where improvements are possible. This includes enhancing knowledge and skills, securing necessary resources, improving monitoring and evaluation processes, and strengthening sustainability efforts.

SEI is equipped to create a plan that outlines priorities and provides specific recommendations for strengthening each aspect of your organization. This enables us to build capacity and address a wide range of challenges to help your organization thrive and reach its full potential.

COMMUNITY AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Understanding your community is at the core of effective service provision. It's not just about what you offer but also about aligning your services with the genuine needs and strengths of your community. Our expert team specializes in using a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods to paint a comprehensive portrait of your community. This isn't just data collection; it's about diving deep to uncover the stories and insights that numbers alone can't convey.

By conducting a thorough community assessment, you not only gain clarity about your community's needs and assets but also ensure that your services are reaching those who truly require them. This targeted approach allows you to allocate your resources strategically, maximizing your impact and success. It's about making a real difference where it matters most – within your community. With this knowledge in hand, you can not only plan your services more effectively but also foster stronger connections and collaborations within your community, ultimately leading to more meaningful and sustainable outcomes.

COMMUNITY BUILDING

SEI has significant experience using a variety of methods to establish partnerships spanning nonprofits, local government, and community and policy coalitions. We take a broad view of "community" and actively seek out existing players in areas that would benefit from being included in the process. We also work to identify and address any barriers that might hinder their participation. As organizations enter collaborative relationships, they often require assistance in creating and effectively managing these partnerships. SEI plays a pivotal role in helping clients gain a clear understanding and confidence in the design and purpose of various community-building initiatives.

During the initial phases of collaboration, SEI assists partners in understanding their roles and expectations, laying the groundwork for effective communication and interaction. For groups that have a history of collaboration, we offer tools and processes to enhance outcomes as the collaborative effort evolves. SEI's extensive experience in community building has prepared us to support our clients in identifying strategies and actions that align with their specific efforts. We also facilitate discussions and data-driven decision-making to determine the best approach for advancing the work. Whether you represent a small nonprofit or a large public agency, we speak your language and help you reach your goals.

DATA ANALYSIS & REPORT DEVELOPMENT

At SEI, our extensive experience covers the whole data spectrum - collecting, managing, cleaning, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data from a variety of sources; presenting the results of such data collection and analysis activities into visually appealing and consumable graphics; and producing reports that synthesize and triangulate available data to generate conclusions and recommendations. We're not just about crunching numbers; we're also experts at turning them into captivating visuals that not only show the facts but also tell the story. We dive deep, talk to the folks who know the data inside out, and uncover the real insights behind those numbers. Our goal? Crafting understandable and tailored reports that tell your story.

EVALUATION

When it comes to evaluation, SEI offers a systematic and objective approach, whether you're assessing your organization, a program, or a technology. Our team combines both qualitative and quantitative methods to get the full picture. We engage closely with those who have the most insight into the data, uncovering the story behind the numbers. The end result? An evaluation that pinpoints what's working, what should continue, and what needs improvement. Our evaluations pave the way for clear decision-making.

SEI has an array of evaluation methods in our toolkit. For instance, we've employed Results-Based Accountability (RBA), developed by the Fiscal Policy Studies Institute, and utilization-focused evaluation, as crafted by Michael Quinn-Patton. In cases where we've evaluated software systems or implemented new service delivery models, we've used requirement analysis to define the desired outcome, the path to get there, and the tools needed for success. Take, for example, our evaluation of a community management information system aimed at enhancing evidence-based services. Our evaluation ensured that these products met the needs of their intended recipients effectively and cost-efficiently. We've also assisted governmental entities in selecting frameworks to strengthen families by comparing various models based on factors like cost, quality, and the ability to meet standards.

We've gone further, helping programs monitor fidelity to their models and creating calculations and models for social return on investment (SROI). Our evaluation planning and design typically involve mixing methods, drawing from various data sources to enhance our understanding. Our approach is adaptable to various evaluation projects, from basic data analysis to complex predictive analytics, and always incorporates the core components of respect, transparency, practicality, meaning, adaptability, and integration.

EVENT & CONFERENCE PLANNING

When selecting an event planning vendor, it's crucial to assess their understanding of the entire process. SEI initiates each event and conference planning project with a broader understanding that the final event, encompassing all logistical aspects, attendees' experiences, speakers, and evaluation and documentation, must be carefully tailored to align with the event or conference's goals.

Understanding these objectives and the organization's vision for the event serves as the cornerstone of our event planning efforts. At SEI, we have a proven track record that demonstrates our successful conference planning services, from the initial kickoff meeting to the final reimbursements. We diligently monitor and document every detail of the event to ensure nothing is overlooked or left to chance. Our commitment is to deliver a seamless and successful event that aligns with your objectives.

FACILITATION

SEI excels in numerous facilitation and group decision-making techniques. This includes large and small group facilitation in both virtual and in-person settings. We also incorporate a variety of approaches and tools, such as participant polling, breakout groups and interactive exercises. We plan and lead engaging and highly productive meetings, retreats, focus groups, community forums, and other events, regardless of the group's size or type. SEI’s skilled facilitators foster deep and meaningful discussions among participants. We reiterate key findings to ensure clarity and document results in a way that offers a clear path forward with actionable items.

Our approach is rooted in recognizing the strengths of participants, emphasizing evidence-based decision making, and employing a collaborative action framework. At SEI, we design and guide discussions that value input from all relevant partners, including those with firsthand lived experiences, organizational leaders, and direct service providers. We have successfully applied this inclusive approach to assist hundreds of organizations. SEI tailors our approach to suit the characteristics of each organization and the specific decisions being made. Our goal is to facilitate effective and inclusive decision-making processes for your organization's success.

FUND DISTRIBUTION

Foundations and grant makers play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of social impact. Ensuring that the funds you distribute create a lasting and positive effect is not just a responsibility; it's a commitment to change and progress. That's where we come in. We understand the importance of confidence in your grant and fund distribution processes. Our expertise is all about equipping you with the right tools and strategies to not only instill that confidence but to also enhance the effectiveness of your efforts. We provide comprehensive guidance, from the initial planning stages to the meticulous development of grant programs. This includes crafting fund distribution processes that are not just efficient but also tailored to achieve your overarching mission. Our aim is to help you maximize the impact of your endeavors and make a real difference in the causes you support.

GOVERNANCE

In the nonprofit world, your board members must remain actively involved in meaningful work that serves your mission and the community. Likewise, board members want to know they are fulfilling their responsibilities. At SEI, we work closely with nonprofit and public organizations looking to enhance the effectiveness and engagement of their governing body as their organization grows and changes.

SEI can equip your organization with the tools to clarify roles and responsibilities and boost the confidence needed to steer your organization forward. Additionally, we can facilitate collaborative meetings aimed at identifying areas for improvement and program initiatives that will have the most impact with the available resources. Our goal is to help your organization thrive and make a meaningful difference in your community.

PROGRAM PLANNING & IMPLEMENTATION

We're here to guide organizations every step of the way, from designing the blueprint for implementation to measuring the tangible outcomes. Our mission is to empower you to deliver the most impactful programs and services imaginable.

We're not just about sticking to the status quo; we help you explore innovative strategies and fine-tune existing ones. Once we've mapped out the path forward, we roll up our sleeves and dive into the nitty-gritty of implementation. Our goal is simple: to turn plans into actions and actions into results.

But it's not just about hitting targets; it's about delivering what your clients and community truly deserve – services that make a meaningful difference in their lives. It's about meeting and even exceeding the expectations of your donors and grantors who believe in your mission. We're here to ensure that your organization not only thrives but also stands as a beacon of positive change in your community, driving impact that results in communal success. Together, we can turn aspirations into achievements, one step at a time.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

At SEI, our approach to project management revolves around three key components: planning, tracking, and control.

First, let's talk about planning. It's all about peering into the future to figure out the smartest way to tackle upcoming tasks. While a good chunk of planning happens at the project's start, our experienced project managers understand that it's an ongoing process. They continuously analyze and adjust course as needed to steer the project efficiently towards its goals.

Next up is tracking. This involves keeping a close eye on individual tasks and the overall project progress. We meticulously gather and organize real-time data about how things are going compared to the project schedule. And of course, we make sure to keep everyone in the loop by communicating this status information to all the stakeholders involved.

Lastly, there's control. Think of this as the managerial hub of the project. It's where we assign tasks to team members, provide guidance and support, and put strategies in place to keep the project on track. We also ensure that every aspect of the project aligns with the agreed-upon objectives, schedule, and any external requirements from regulatory bodies, government agencies, or funders. In essence, it's all about making sure the project reaches a successful conclusion, both technically and administratively.

Throughout these three components, we're always working on tangible deliverables – those concrete results that play a vital role in achieving the project's objectives. So, whether it's planning, tracking, or control, our approach is all about keeping things on course and delivering the goods.

STRATEGIC PLANNING & IMPLEMENTATION

SEI specializes in tailoring strategic planning and implementation processes to fit our client’s unique needs, ensuring that the time they invest produces real results. Our strategic planning expertise covers various areas, including long-term planning, evaluating community assets and needs, planning for implementation, delivering programs and services, and allocating funds appropriately. SEI works with clients to create plans that offer a clear understanding of their organization's current situation, top priorities, and the goals and objectives necessary to achieve their mission and vision.

Once clients have partnered with SEI, they gain confidence that their strategic plan is the way forward. However, understanding "what" to do is just the beginning. To help with the implementation of the strategic plan, SEI develops detailed implementation plans that clearly outline what needs to happen, when it needs to occur, and who will be leading the effort. This empowers organizations to effectively manage and make progress in their work. Additionally, we can provide support during the implementation phase, including tasks such as completing actionable items, monitoring progress against benchmarks and activities, facilitating meetings, and preparing annual reports. Your organization's success is our top priority, and we are here to assist you every step of the way.

TRAINING

At SEI, we align our training approach with up-to-date research and best practices, combining theories of adult learning with various modalities to facilitate effective training. We provide training in multiple formats, catering to different learning styles and adult learning techniques, and can support applications for continuing education credits to ensure that participants receive the most value possible.

Through accessible training tools, documents, and processes, we empower professionals to connect with their colleagues, fostering growth, and building workplace relationships. Furthermore, we equip professionals with the skills to effectively train others, nurturing future leaders, and amplifying engagement across the agency. Our belief is that effective training can create professional learning communities and establish a shared knowledge base that informs activities agency-wide. We're not just here to support your events; we're here to help you build a culture of continuous learning and collaboration that drives success throughout your organization.