Kids. Trees. Carbon Neutral. Nonprofit Raising $500k.
Vikas Narula
Founder & Executive Director
Minneapolis, MN
neighborhoodforest.org
Company Overview
Founder-led nonprofit raising $500k in ‘22'-’23
Partnerships with 500 schools in 48 states and Canada
Served 18,500 kids in 2020 and 40,000 kids in 2021
Next challenge: Developing the operational and financial capacity to serve 80,000 kids in 2023
Why a Popup Think Tank?
Vikas Narula started giving kids a baby tree. The kids take the trees home and plant them in the ground. The kids take a picture next to the tree every year.
As the tree grows, kids naturally and wondrously grow environmental consciousness.
Neighborhood Forest experienced viral growth in 2021. They are getting ready to serve 80,000 kids next year, on track to serve 1 million kids by 2026.
However, unexpected growth forced new questions and challenges for Neighborhood Forest. It’s a new level of complexity and leadership challenge. Founder & Executive Director, Vikas Narula, said, “We’re growing rapidly. We needed funding and ideas. We were overwhelmed.”
Neighborhood Forest partnered with Popup Think Tank to ask 55+ people to help with ideas, introductions, and insights.
55+ thinkers & connectors
90 minutes
Quick presentation and interview Vikas, Executive Director
Use quick small-group breakouts to brainstorm 100s of ideas
We designed the experience to leverage energy and interaction around a meaningful mission and story.
IDEATION DESIGN
What kind of ideas did we ask for?
Growing through complexity - What best practices and insights would you share with a founder whose startup is growing rapidly?
New partnerships - What partnerships would take Neighborhood Forest to the next level? Think funding, distribution, scaling, marketing, and more.
Let's think BIGGER - What haven't we thought of yet? Dream with us about the possibilities. Sky is the limit. Help us think bigger about pursuing this mission.
“My advice for founders considering a Popup Think Tank? Do it! Then work hard to get a good turnout. Let the rest unfold. It’s a great experience.”
Ideabook
Delivered after the event, the Ideabook included 225+ ideas, quotes from the survey, and a thank-you to our participants.
Key Results for Neighborhood Forest
50+ participants & 32 survey responses
225+ strategic ideas for connections and partnerships
94% agree or strongly agree: “ As a result of the Popup Think Tank, I now know much more about Neighborhood Forest”.
66% agree or strongly agree: “I'd like to introduce Neighborhood Forest to someone(s) in my network.”
“Loved this structure for idea generation and public engagement!”
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