Case Studies
What a Sustainability Assessment Isn’t: Why We Built VERVE to Move Strategy Forward
Nonprofits face growing pressure to prove their sustainability—often without the tools to measure what truly matters. At coLAB, we’ve seen how traditional assessments fall short: surveys without context, reports with no follow-through, and a narrow focus on finances. That’s why we created VERVE. More than a tool, it’s a strategic companion—built to help mission-driven organizations turn insight into action.
22%
60%
17.3%
We didn’t just want to measure sustainability. We wanted to help build it—in ways that actually reflect how nonprofits live and lead.
- Goals
Insight That Drives Real Decisions
At coLAB, our goal is to give organizations more than a snapshot—we aim to offer a living, breathing view of sustainability. We design tools that reflect complexity, honor relationships, and equip leaders to act with purpose. Strategy should evolve, not expire.
- Challenges
One-Dimensional Tools, One-Time Use
Surveys alone can’t capture the full picture. Financial audits don’t reflect team dynamics. And too often, assessments end in static reports that gather dust. We’ve seen how easily insight fades without systems to carry it forward—how strategy stalls when it isn’t connected to action. Organizations need more than data points—they need perspective, relevance, and continuity.
- Solutions
VERVE Goes Beyond the Balance Sheet
That’s why we built VERVE to integrate multiple sources of insight—surveys, staffing trends, financial indicators, leadership dynamics, and more. It triangulates these inputs to reflect the real-life pace and complexity of purpose-driven work. Every insight connects to strategy, so organizations aren’t left asking, “Now what?” VERVE adapts to your size, sector, and goals—making sure what you learn today still serves you tomorrow.
- Results
From Assessment to Action
With VERVE, insight doesn’t end in a PDF. It becomes a shared tool for decision-making, alignment, and growth. Teams use it to track progress, identify risks early, and stay grounded in what matters most. It reflects how we work at coLAB—rooted in relationships, responsive to change, and always designed for the long haul. The result isn’t just understanding—it’s movement, capacity, and resilience.