About Setup

Empowering changemakers with evidence-based project design methodologies

Our Vision

Setup Your Project for Success is an educational content series designed for nonprofits and social enterprises. We teach project design fundamentals through a two-module video lesson series covering Problem Tree Analysis, Stakeholder Mapping, Theory of Change, Logical Frameworks, and more.

Mission Statement

We believe every changemaker deserves access to world-class project design tools, regardless of their organization's size or budget. Our mission is to make evidence-based methodologies accessible, practical, and applicable across all social impact sectors.

Content Philosophy

🌍 Sector-Agnostic

Our tools work across health, education, environment, youth development, and any social impact sector. Universal frameworks, locally adapted.

📹 Visual-First Learning

Storyboarded videos with diagrams and case-based prompts reduce cognitive load and make complex methodologies easier to grasp.

🤝 Community-Centered

Evidence-based methodology with authentic partnership focus. We emphasize community validation over extractive research.

🤖 AI-Assisted Research

Integrates modern desk review methods using AI tools while maintaining human validation and community engagement.

What You'll Learn

🌱

Module 1

Building the Foundation

✓ Problem Tree Analysis with AI-assisted research
✓ Stakeholder Mapping & Engagement Strategies
✓ Synthesize Data using Affinity Diagrams
✓ Theory of Change Development

⚙️

Module 2

Operationalize Theory of Change

✓ Logical Framework (Logframe) Design
✓ Activity Design & Implementation Planning
✓ Evidence-Based Proposal Writing
✓ Budget Estimation & Resource Planning

Who We Serve

🚀 Emerging Changemakers

Starting social enterprises or grassroots nonprofits. You know there's a problem that desperately needs solving, but the challenge feels complex and overwhelming. Setup provides the frameworks to break down complexity into manageable, actionable steps.

📊 Program Officers

Working at NGOs and seeking better project structure. You're managing multiple programs and need efficient, evidence-based tools to design interventions that actually work. Setup helps you move from reactive firefighting to strategic design.

🎯 Executive Directors

Aligning vision with execution. You have the big picture but need structured approaches to translate strategic goals into operational plans. Setup bridges the gap between inspiration and implementation.

✍️ Strategy Consultants & Grant Writers

Supporting social impact organizations. You need reliable frameworks and templates to help clients articulate their theory of change, design strong proposals, and demonstrate impact. Setup provides the toolkit you can adapt for diverse clients.

Our Learning Approach

Each lesson follows a consistent structure designed for maximum retention and practical application:

Video Overview (5 minutes): Watch a concise, storyboarded lesson introducing the core concept
Supporting Materials: Access detailed guides, templates, and examples
Step-by-Step Instructions: Follow structured processes to apply the methodology
Real-World Examples: See how other changemakers have used these tools successfully
Quality Checklist: Self-assess your work against best-practice standards

Progressive Disclosure

We start simple and layer in complexity. You don't need to master everything at once. Each lesson builds on the previous one, creating a cohesive learning journey from problem identification to budget estimation.

Your Two-Module Learning Journey

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Module 1: Building the Foundation

4 Lessons · 20 minutes video content

Master the research and planning tools that transform vague ideas into structured, evidence-based project designs. You'll learn to identify root causes, engage stakeholders authentically, synthesize diverse data sources, and articulate your theory of change.

Lesson 1.1: Problem Tree Analysis

Break down complex social issues into root causes and effects using AI-assisted desk review

Lesson 1.2: Stakeholder Mapping

Identify who to engage, when, and how using power-interest analysis and engagement strategies

Lesson 1.3: Synthesize Data

Combine problem analysis, stakeholder input, and research using affinity diagrams

Lesson 1.4: Theory of Change

Articulate how your intervention will create change from activities to long-term impact

Start Module 1

⚙️

Module 2: Operationalize Theory of Change

4 Lessons · 20 minutes video content

Transform your Theory of Change into actionable plans, compelling proposals, and realistic budgets. You'll learn to design measurable indicators, plan activities with community partners, write evidence-based proposals, and estimate resource needs.

Lesson 2.1: Logical Framework

Translate your Theory of Change into a structured logframe with SMART indicators

Lesson 2.2: Activity Design

Design implementation-ready activities with community partners and detailed timelines

Lesson 2.3: Proposal Writing

Write compelling, evidence-based proposals that demonstrate community partnership

Lesson 2.4: Budget Estimation

Translate activities into realistic costs with sustainability and partnership value

Start Module 2

Design Values

Setup is built on Festa Design Studio's design system, which prioritizes:

Calm & Harmonious: Soothing color palettes reduce cognitive load during learning
Accessible: Clear typography, proper contrast, semantic structure (WCAG 2.1 AA compliant)
Purposeful: Every element serves the mission of social impact education
Trauma-Informed UX: Non-overwhelming interfaces for diverse practitioners, many working in high-stress environments

Methodology & Credits

Setup teaches established, evidence-based methodologies from the international development and nonprofit sectors:

Problem Tree Analysis: Adapted from GTZ (now GIZ) problem analysis frameworks
Stakeholder Mapping: Based on power-interest matrix and engagement planning
Theory of Change: Inspired by ActKnowledge and Center for Theory of Change approaches
Logical Framework (Logframe): Standard project management tool used by major donors

We credit traditional methodologies while introducing modern enhancements like AI-assisted desk review (using Model Context Protocol) and digital collaboration tools.

AI Tools as Assistants

While we demonstrate AI-assisted research techniques, we emphasize that AI tools should augment—not replace—human decision-making and community engagement. Technology accelerates desk review; community validation ensures relevance.

About Festa Design Studio

Setup is developed by Festa Design Studio, a design practice focused on creating calm, accessible, and purposeful digital experiences for social impact organizations.

We believe good design isn't just about aesthetics—it's about making complex information accessible, reducing friction in workflows, and empowering changemakers to focus on their mission instead of fighting their tools.

Future Expansion

Setup is the foundation for a larger ecosystem of social impact education. Potential spin-offs include:

AI Ethics & Governance for Nonprofits: Responsible AI adoption in the social sector
Sector-Specific Deep Dives: Health, education, environment, youth development modules
Advanced M&E Workshops: Monitoring, evaluation, and learning frameworks
Fundraising Storytelling Series: Translating impact into compelling narratives

Each expansion maintains our core values: evidence-based, accessible, practical, and community-centered.

Ready to Get Started?

Join thousands of changemakers using evidence-based project design to create lasting social impact.