Organisational Development Support Programme Design

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Support for organisational development is most effective when foundations design it intentionally, ground it in OD values, and align it with their wider purpose. Partner organisations face growing pressure to adapt, remain resilient, and protect their missions. OD support can contribute meaningfully in this context when funders are attentive to how it is framed, resourced and delivered in practice.

The 10 steps of building an intentional Organisational Development support programme

This section of the guide outlines 10 considerations that offer a practical starting point for building an OD support programme that is coherent, realistic and rooted in equity principles. They synthesise insights from current and evolving practice across the sector, illustrating the conditions under which OD support can add value. At the same time, they reflect a field that is still maturing, where such approaches are not yet widespread or consistently embedded.

1. Clarify values, with partner agency at the centre

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2. Define purpose of OD, then anchor OD in organisational strategy

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3. Secure leadership and board buy‑in

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4. Choose your level of ambition

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5. Build an internal operating model (who does what)

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6. Resource OD support realistically (budget, time, constraints)

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7. Decide your delivery model

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8. If you use external support, design your provider approach upfront

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9. Conduct an internal fit and coherence test

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10. Start with a pilot that matches today’s operating reality

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