An intense, rewarding programme designed to help charities address operational challenges in an innovative and practical way. Multiple teams of Pilotlighters apply their knowledge and experience to generate fresh thinking and help open up perspectives.
What a difference a day makes
On the day, a key decision-maker at the charity brings a specific operational challenge to the table. Teams of Pilotlighters meet with them, accompanied by a Pilotlight Project Manager, to investigate different aspects of the issue, and generate ideas to move it forward.
Throughout the day, the charity's representative is on hand to support the Pilotlighters and troubleshoot. The Project Manager facilitates progress and supports the teams to deliver on the challenge.
Despite the brief timeframe, the presence of all parties throughout the day means the team’s work can be checked, tested and reiterated.
At the end of the day, the Pilotlighters present the charity with their recommendations, and the charity has the chance to ask any questions they may have.
Short programme, lasting impact
Not every problem can be solved in a day. But by taking that time away from business as usual with a team of brilliant minds, you can make real progress.
Each Pilotlight Impact Day is tailored to the charity’s needs. Pilotlighter teams may help charities with challenges such as:
- community fundraising
- trading activities
- digital service delivery
- volunteer engagement
- increasing brand awareness
- attracting funding from the corporate sector
- developing a pricing structure for a service you offer
And it’s all conducted in person, in a buzzing, innovative, collegial environment.
We are currently open for applications from charities and social enterprises for this programme. Take a look at the deadlines to apply here.
Case Studies
How one day of collaboration helped Anyiso shape its future
"Pilotlight Impact Day provides new and small charities with a wealth of knowledge, valuable insights, tailored recommendations, and structured plans which will help them grow."
A win-win for wellbeing
After a period of testing and development, Pilotlight Impact Day was born. Rather than focus on open questions of strategy, funding and governance for charities, the time was structured into small teams focusing on precise challenges, carefully prepared in advance, that were critical to the life of the charity.
Supporting LGBTQIA+ charities at Deloitte
In this particular edition, the focus was on making a tangible difference in the lives of LGBTQIA+ communities. Also coinciding with LGBTQIA+ History Month, the event brought together around 50 Pilotlighters from Deloitte to work alongside three impactful Partner Charities: The Love Tank, Just Like Us, and Living Free UK.
Helping SNAPS engage a broad range of new corporate supporters
"From a personal perspective and also the team’s perspective, to be able to go back and have full confidence in our plans to grow corporate support, following feedback from the Pilotlighters, allowed for a stronger pitch to recruit the additional team member required."
Giving Survivors Manchester a fresh perspective
"We were blown away by the enthusiasm of the Pilotlighters as they worked up solutions to the brief we set them. We heard plenty of fresh perspectives and we had some of our own thinking challenged in a supportive setting. I now have concrete next steps and new ideas to work through with my team."
Offering strategic support to charities in one day
Pilotlight Impact Day has been designed to strengthen effectiveness of the participating charities. It’s an exciting opportunity to work with three teams of skilled business professionals, on an organisational issue of strategic importance.
Making a difference to six charities in just one day
"I enjoyed working with colleagues from other divisions, making networks, learning more about the charity sector and how charities function and having direct communication with people who work closely in the sector. Also, I could make a real difference and give input to the charity."
Creating a sustainable future for Create Paisley
"Pilotlight Impact Day was a great opportunity to explore how to take some of our current challenges forward. We really appreciated the approach of the three teams and are looking forward to building upon these projects and the learning from the day."