The Center shares information and expertise with state and local groups, and in the process has dramatically expanded its impact, instead of growing its own organization, it works with established nonprofits to build their capacity to do budget analysis and advocacy work. In the business world, this unheard-of strategy would be akin to Starbucks' partnering with the neighborhood coffee shop to enter a local market-without taking any profit for itself."

Heather McLeod Grant is an advisor to the Center for Social Innovation at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business and to leading nonprofits. She is a former McKinsey & Company consultant, serves on the Advisory Board of Stanford Social Innovation Review, and resides in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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