About Define Solutions

Built on Ground-Level
Experience

Our consulting is not theoretical. It is shaped by years of fieldwork across tribal districts, urban slums, and government systems in India.

Who We Are

Designing Engines for Impactful Nonprofits

Define Solutions was founded by development professionals who have spent over a decade working at the intersection of policy, community, and data — from the tribal forests of Narayanpur to urban schools in Pune.

We believe that nonprofits deserve the same quality of strategic thinking, data infrastructure, and impact measurement that the best-funded organizations in the world receive. Our mission is to make that accessible.

Vision

Empower nonprofits to maximize their impact through innovative, evidence-based, and sustainable solutions.

Mission

To provide expert consulting services that enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of nonprofit organizations, ensuring they achieve their mission and drive positive social change.

Commitment to Quality
Driven by Impact
Equity & Inclusion
Empathy First
Agility
Evidence-Based

The Twin Engine Model

Informed by The Bridgespan Group's framework for nonprofits — simultaneously scaling what works (Engine 1) while investing in breakthrough innovation (Engine 2).

01
As-Is MapMap the current state of your organization, programs, and ecosystem — no assumptions, honest baselines.
02
Be in Their ShoesDeep empathy exercises with beneficiaries, staff, and community to understand motivations and lived experience.
03
Systems MappingIdentify leverage points and interdependencies. Where can one intervention shift the whole system?
04
Guiding Stars & Ground-Up DataBe informed through reliable data from the ground and identify key levers for change.
05
Designing SolutionsOffer design solutions across various areas — strategy, programs, technology, fundraising.
06
Demonstrate ImpactComprehensive, continuous evaluation that proves — and continuously improves — your outcomes.

"The Engine 1/Engine 2 concept helps nonprofits manage the challenge of simultaneously expanding core programs and investing in innovative solutions... requiring efficiency and discipline, while Engine 2 centers on breakthrough innovation, demanding agility, creativity, and risk-taking."

— The Bridgespan Group, 2021

How We Work

Our Methodological Approach

We combine rigorous quantitative analysis with deep qualitative understanding — giving you both statistical proof and human context.

Quantitative

Mixed-Methods Research

Paired t-tests, Cohen's d effect size, ANOVA, regression, and correlation analysis. We report not just whether change happened, but how much and why it matters practically.

Qualitative

Participatory Methods

Focus group discussions, key informant interviews, most significant change stories, and participatory rural appraisal techniques that center community voices.

Technology

Field-Ready Data Tools

Kobo Toolbox, CommCare, Avni, PowerBI, Looker Studio, Superset — data infrastructure designed for India's ground realities, not imported Western defaults.

Collaboration

Capacity Building

We work alongside your team and build internal MEL capacity. Your organization owns the insights and methods — not just the final report.

Standards

Evaluation Frameworks

Theory of Change, KBA Model (Knowledge-Behaviour-Attitude), OECD-DAC criteria, Social Impact Assessment, and JPAL-aligned evaluation design.

Partners

Who We Serve

Nonprofits of all sizes, foundations & philanthropic organizations, social enterprises, learning facilitators, and government-linked programs.