Leap Update: Some Pain, More Gain

In March, we focused our monthly update on Impetus-PEF, a London foundation “walking the talk” of high performance–not just by investing in the performance of its grantees but also by looking introspectively at its own performance.

After we wrote that profile, we got respectful pushback from a colleague in London. While offering praise for Impetus-PEF’s focus on impact, he wondered whether Impetus-PEF’s hands-on processes are too tough on grantees.

So with Impetus-PEF’s blessings we reached out to Jo Rice, managing director of one of Impetus-PEF’s core grantees. Impetus-PEF’s leadership team made it clear to Rice they wanted her to share the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Before we do the reveal, here are the basics on Rice’s organization, Resurgo. Its main program, Spear, helps disconnected young people find their way into jobs. It focuses not only on preparing young people for the world of work; it also focuses on helping employers create a culture where formerly disconnected young people have a real shot to succeed.