Helping Organizations go from Overwhelmed to Unstoppable.

Big goals. Real gains. Together.

We help mission-driven organizations get people together, tell a clear story, and advance progress in ways people can see, feel and celebrate.

No one goes to school to run a nonprofit! It is on-the-job training.

In fact all mission-driven work is tough-going — whether you are in the private, philanthropic, multilateral, or nonprofit sector.

Listen. Create. Focus. Advance.

We have walked this trail before. Let us help.

Real progress, in weeks!

‍To tour this site

1. Browse this page for background. Review testimonials.

2. Scan the Services page. We help nonprofits, businesses, philanthropies, the public sector, and global institutions.

3. Peek through the Adira Foundation Gallery page for work samples.

4. Scan the Adira Foundation Legacy website (external) to learn much more.

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Trail Guide Framework ‍

Four common trouble spots, and how we help

A panoramic view of the Grand Canyon showing layered red rock formations, a winding dirt trail through the canyon, and cloudy sky overhead.

1. Mapping the Route
Clarifying direction. Needing help with . . .

  • Clarifying messages

  • Mission, Vision, Story

  • Sustainable Financing

  • Strategic Planning

A narrow canyon with towering, layered sandstone walls and a shallow river with rocks running through it.

2. Making Camp
Regroup, stabilize, refocus. Needing help with . . .

  • Board Development

  • Coaching the CEO

  • Restructuring

  • Interim CEO if needed

A narrow desert canyon with a wooden staircase leading upward, surrounded by red rock formations.

3. Building a Campfire Complete one critical initiative—well

  • Grant proposals

  • Events

  • Report writing

  • Meeting Facilitation

Tourists walking across a narrow wooden bridge over a turquoise water lake, with a large rock cliff and cave in the background.

4. Traveling Together
Gather allies. Build bridges. Grow! Help with . . . ‍

  • Building partnerships

  • Coalitions and Alliances

  • Public Policy & Advocacy

  • Listening and Learning

We help you find your footing. We train you to move forward.

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Testimonial

Bruce P., Executive Director of American Academy of HIV Medicine

“Mr. Smiley was vital to helping us to craft a unifying vision, to further developing our board, and to creating an informed approach to elevating our profile and to catalyzing new relationships with a range of potential new funders in our industry.”

A woman with long, dark, wavy hair, wearing a white outfit with a small butterfly brooch, is looking directly at the camera and smiling slightly. The background features a blurred indoor setting with ceiling lights.
A woman with long, dark, wavy hair, wearing a white outfit with a small butterfly brooch, is looking directly at the camera and smiling slightly. The background features a blurred indoor setting with ceiling lights.

Testimonial

Panashe S., Executive Director & Co-Founder of FlameLily Foundation

“Our foundation is committed to breaking barriers to better menstrual diagnosis and education for women and children in Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and South Africa.  As we strengthen our governance and systems,  ‘Smiley Strategic’ has helped us better understand how to tell our story and clarify our mission so we can attract the right partners. At the same time,  Greg Smiley built a comprehensive funding system with potential funders that are curated and resonate with our mission for long-term partnership.  As FlameLily’s executive director, he's been coaching me week by week to build my capacity to help more women and girls back home."