In geometry, congruence means having the same shape and size. A figure can be moved, turned, or reflected, but the fundamental properties remain the same. Congruence in life and in business means something similar. It means that no matter the situation, our actions will match our core values and beliefs.

Congruence is one of the seven values defined by the Social Change Model of Leadership, a product of the Higher Education Research Institute in the 1990s, emphasizing thinking, feeling, and behaving with consistency, authenticity, and honesty towards yourself and others. We chose the name because we are committed to congruence within ourselves, our business, and our communities.

For Congruent Grant Partners, that means we are candid with clients about your grant readiness and odds of grant success, take responsibility for creating the most competitive grant applications, and help you develop a long-term vision and strategy for your grant-seeking. We expect our clients to be similarly candid about your programs and capacity to engage with us as we embed ourselves with your team. Another essential element of a congruent practice is self-evaluation. We recognize that there may be other consultants better positioned to assist you — and we will make those referrals without hesitation.

As Congruent Grant Partners, our core beliefs remain the center of all we do, serving clients, colleagues, and the grants profession with integrity. We serve not only by supporting clients who provide essential services to our communities, but also by advancing the grants profession through volunteer service and advocating for improvements in philanthropy through the principles of Community Centric Fundraising.

The shape may change as we provide guidance on expanding your grant-seeking, advocate for the profession, and work alongside other nonprofit consultants, but Congruent Grant Partners’ values of integrity, responsibility, vision, and service remain the same.