Discover Exceptional

Advancing Purpose for Social Profit Organizations



Welcome to The Discovery Group

The Discovery Group is a consulting firm based in Vancouver, Canada, dedicated to the social profit sector. We believe that social profit organizations can change the world.

Since 2017 it has been our mission to help social profits across the globe advance their purpose and elevate community impact. We work side-by-side with our clients to help them envision change, determine how to make it happen, and put the necessary tools and skills in place for success.

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Who we are

Who we are

We pride ourselves on being a consulting firm that specializes exclusively in the social profit sector. Our team of experts comes from the field with deep knowledge, understanding and expertise of the work that you do. We consist of former CEOs, Executive Directors, Fundraisers, Lawyers, Board Members, Researchers and Communicators all of whom have worked in the social profit sector. Our team members are passionate in supporting you to advance your mission so that we can collectively tackle societal issues.

Who we work with

Our clients become our partners. We believe success can only happen through partnership built on trust, respect, and commitment. The Discovery Group works together with our clients toward a shared mission through united dedicated effort. Although our clients come from different areas of the sector, they all share one common trait. Bravery. They are willing to do the hard work, defy the naysayers, make meaningful change, and create lasting impact.

Why we believe in social profits

At The Discovery Group we believe that the terms “not-for-profit” or “nonprofit” are a disservice to our sector. The word “profit” is defined as “a valuable return; a gain; a benefit derived.” Through the lens of this definition, we believe “not-for-profit” organizations are generating significant profits. Financial profit is only one type of profit. Equitable educational opportunities, better access to healthcare, increased community services – these are all a form of profits. We call these social profits.

DISCOVER    EXCEPTIONAL  

DISCOVER    EXCEPTIONAL  

DISCOVER    EXCEPTIONAL  

DISCOVER    EXCEPTIONAL  

DISCOVER    EXCEPTIONAL  

We Strive For Exceptional

We are driven to help ideas, people, and social profit organizations be exceptional.

Most often, we serve our clients as they face significant moments of inflection in the life of their organizations. Beyond going the extra mile, we work shoulder-to shoulder to chart the terrain and plan for the journey. We look for ways to add value beyond what is typically expected in a consultant/client relationship.

As a team, we provide perspective, expertise, and actionable solutions, as well as a healthy dose of positivity and humour along the way.

We Lead With Compassion

We meet our clients and colleagues where they’re at and choose to sit on the same side of the table, shoulder to shoulder. 

The work of the social profit sector isn’t always easy, and things don’t always go as planned. Through active listening and demonstrable respect, we align with clients and colleagues to define the challenge, consider the options, and find the right path forward together.

We Are Always Learning

We believe growth and improvement makes life and business exciting and challenging.

We research, learn, actively listen, participate, and volunteer, surrounding ourselves with smart, ambitious, and inspiring people. Synthesizing and sharing what we learn adds depth to our practice. Supporting leaders in the social profit sector requires a commitment to curious inquiry.

Services

Executive search and leadership development graphic

Executive Search & Leadership Development Services

Social profit strategic planning and governance graphic

Planning & Governance

Fundraising campaign counsel graphic

Campaign & Fundraising Counsel

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Executive Coaching

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The biggest thing is that TDG simplifies things. There are a lot of choices to be made in this business, not only from messaging and strategy but from a stakeholder engagement piece. TDG brings it back to basics. They are good at balancing governance and fundraising for the Board and are great as facilitating Board engagement. You are getting wisdom and intelligence with the bonus of someone who understands the sector.

Wendy BeauchesnePresident & CEO, Alberta Cancer Foundation
“

When I started at U of S, there were new roles and little structure. TDG helped me build a structure and to focus on the areas of greatest importance with the clarity of what would help achieve my goals. Like so many in our sector who face the pressure to produce a campaign, there was a lot that needed to happen. If it wasn’t for our work with TDG, we wouldn’t be ready for a campaign. They sped up the growth of our organization. TDG played a key role to make sure we had an appropriate structure in place, had the right materials and tools for cabinet and staff.

Danielle DunbarChief Development Officer & Associate Vice President Advancement, University of Saskatchewan
“

The TDG team is highly respected for their knowledge and experience and the facilitation of Board engagement was a benefit as they set out a good, smooth process, managed people well, and we got the outcomes we were looking for as they helped kick us off at the right place.

Michael McKnightPresident & CEO, United Way of the Lower Mainland

Latest Episodes

Discovery Pod | Deb Lester | Young People

Season 9 Episode 34
Convenant House Vancouver
With Deb Lester, CEO

Discovery Pod | Wen-Chih O'Connell | Charitable Donations

Season 9 Episode 35
PayPal Giving Fund Canada
With Wen-Chih O’Connell, Executive Director

Discovery Pod | Mike DeGagné | Indigenous Students

Season 9 Episode 36
Indspire
With Mike DeGagné, President & CEO

Discovery Pod | Jen Angel | Public Spaces

Season 9 Episode 32
Evergreen Canada
With Jen Angel, CEO

Discovery Pod | Jess Tomlin | Equality Fund

Season 9 Episode 33
Equality Fund
With Jess Tomlin, CEO