It was through bringing together EY’s skills... with our skills, doing that in partnership in a way that was co-created where we really trusted each other – that's where I felt like the magic happened.

– Jodie Wickers, Khulisa

Pro bono supporter: Strategy by EY Parthenon 
Portfolio partner: Khulisa
Project type: Strategic engagement

Why the project was needed:

Khulisa, a charity dedicated to supporting young people excluded from school through creative arts therapies, sought to make a significant transformation in its flagship programme. The goal was to not only enhance the social and emotional wellbeing of these young people but also to improve their educational outcomes. This ambitious shift required a strategic overhaul to expand the programme while carefully considering the impact on their financial and operational models. To manage this growth and ensure long-term sustainability, Khulisa needed a comprehensive three-year strategic plan.

At this pivotal moment, pro bono support became essential. As the organisation faced such substantial change, critical questions emerged about the future of their delivery and reach: What does growth now look like? How should the organisation be structured to support it? Pro bono expertise provided Khulisa with valuable insights, helping them to better understand and refine their financial and operational models in alignment with their new strategic direction.

What the project involved:

EY Parthenon worked closely with Khulisa over 8-10 weeks to co-create a three-year strategic plan. The project involved developing a detailed financial model, understanding the cost implications of the new programme, and designing the appropriate operating model to support the extended programme. The project was highly interactive, ensuring that Khulisa’s leadership was deeply involved in the process, and the outcomes were written in a document together and tailored to Khulisa’s specific needs.

For both myself at a personal level and our pro bono team, [we] really felt that [Khulisa] was an organisation we wanted to support because of the true lifelong impact they were having [on young people].

- Anna Grotberg, EY Parthenon for Pro Bono

Impact of the project:

The project provided Khulisa with a well-structured, realistic and sustainable three-year strategy, giving them the confidence to manage their growth effectively. The detailed financial modelling allowed them to make informed decisions about resource allocation and programme expansion. This strategic plan impacted Khulisa’s delivery and team, providing clarity on financials and more informed decision-making, helping in discussions with funders to explain their growth trajectory and resource needs. It has ultimately enhanced Khulisa’s ability to serve more young people effectively.