We combine strategic thinking with lived experience and deep relationships
Our approach
Across all of our work, Daraja Partners combines strategic thinking with lived experience and deep relationships across the philanthropic and nonprofit ecosystems. We believe lasting change depends not only on resources, but on trust, proximity, and the ability to create stronger connections between those funding change and those leading it.
Solomon and Jessie bring a wealth of experience in organizational management and leadership, strategy, growth, and fundraising. Additionally, our areas of individual expertise include leadership development, strategic planning, effective grantmaking, and venture philanthropy. What makes our partnership truly unique is our ability to offer concrete insights, tools and resources that are designed to meet each client where you are.
Our values
Community
We are incredibly fortunate to be part of a vibrant community of leaders, practitioners, and changemakers who share our commitment to locally led development. We believe deeply in the power of collective learning and are proud to create spaces where people can learn with and from one another.
Boldness
We believe that complex global challenges require collective effort and bold thinking. We are committed to asking difficult questions, challenging outdated assumptions, and pursuing ambitious ideas that have the potential to drive transformative change.
Trust and Partnership
Trust is the foundation upon which all meaningful partnership is built. We are committed to cultivating authentic relationships grounded in respect, transparency, humility, and mutual accountability.
Learning and Growth
We recognize that we do not have all the answers and believe that growth requires curiosity, reflection, and openness to new perspectives. We are committed to continuous learning—from our partners, from our experiences, and from the communities closest to the work.
Quality
We are dedicated to producing thoughtful, high-quality work that reflects both rigor and care. Whether facilitating leadership programs, advising partners, or creating content, we strive to deliver work that is practical, impactful, and worthy of the trust placed in us.
Photo credit: Our Sisters Opportunity
There is growing consensus from both funders and nonprofits around the critical importance of investing in locally led development, but often the “how” of this shift can feel complex and overwhelming. Jessie & Solomon can help. They are competent, compassionate, & bring joy to the work. They’ve been at this a while- 20 years altogether- so they bring the lived experience on both sides of the donor-doer dynamic that is required to navigate complexity. You’ll want to work with them to dream up and dare to do great things.
—Andy Bryant, Executive Director, Segal Family Foundation