Celebrating 10 Years of Point b(e) Strategies
By Julia AlavarezTen years ago, I sent an email to two friends and trusted advisors, pressure testing the name Point b(e) for the “LLC that I might create.” Per that email, “My focus would be on helping organizations, agencies, and individuals determine their desired point b—or where they want to be—and then developing and implementing a plan to get them there through a combination of organizational development and capacity building, fund development planning, grantwriting, training, board and staff development, and leadership coaching.” On that day in September 2016, I never could have dreamed up what was in store! As I sit here now, reflecting on Point b(e) Strategies celebrating our 10th anniversary, it’s exciting to notice how things have changed, and how much has stayed the same! We are still focused on our mission to partner with communities, organizations, and leaders to disrupt the social sector, and to design and implement more inclusive and equitable spaces, systems, and practices, and we still offer the same suite of services (and more!). But beyond that, a lot has changed! The world has endured a pandemic, we have experienced (and continue to experience) significant changes in federal administrations and national approaches to grantmaking and funding overall, we have onboarded new staff and said farewell to a handful of Catalysts who are pursuing other passions, we have welcomed staff babies, we have settled into a permanent office, and so much more! That said, no matter what, we continue to find ways to ebb and flow with the demands of the sector and the communities we serve.
To the many Catalysts—past and present—who have shaped our processes and approaches and who continue to show up for the social change sector during seemingly impossible times —Thank You. Point b(e) Strategies literally wouldn’t exist without each of you. It’s an honor and a privilege to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you in the struggle for equity, justice, and a better world.
To our clients who are supporting communities and individuals all over the world, and who continue to trust us to help you build strategy, evaluate your work, shift processes, raise money, and so much more—Thank You. Supporting you is our reason for being and you are what brings this work to life everyday. You inspire us to think big, embrace innovation alongside stability, celebrate community wins, stay grounded in our values, and find joy in the challenges of our work.
To my family, who continue to support me and this wild vision, and who instilled in me the stubborn belief that a better world is possible—Thank You. Your belief in me renders me speechless (which says a lot!).
To communities facing extreme challenges, disparities, injustices, and inequities as a result of systems and structures not built for us—We see you, and we will continue to stand with you until the world we see more closely resembles the world we want.
Because of your trust in us over the last 10 years, we have:
Won almost $73 million in grants for you
Developed 64 strategic plans
Conducted 54 program evaluations or evaluation trainings
Supported with 34 Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiatives
Distributed over $850,000 in grant funds
Provided board training to board members from 85 organizations
Partnered with 175 clients across the globe
Completed over 275 discrete projects
I’m so proud of the impact we have had in our first decade, and I can’t wait to see what the next decade brings.
Because we know that this milestone belongs to YOU as much as it belongs to us…we are excited to invite you to SAVE THE DATE for our anniversary open house! We hope you will join us on October 28 to raise a glass to a decade of impact.
