Case studies
We’ve gathered stories of transformational change ranging from our smallest clients to some of the world’s most recognizable brands.
Spokane City Credit Union
The Need
Spokane City Credit Union (SCCU) is a single-branch credit union with about 5,000 members formed in 1934 to address the unique banking needs of city employees and their families that now serves anyone who works or lives in the state of Washington.
SCCU has been operating out of its current location since 1970, in a building built that decade. In early 2018, executive management — with the support of the credit union’s advisory board — decided to embark on a project to update the facilities and replace aging systems.
The Work
Measure Meant completed a comprehensive situational analysis to better understand the current operational environment. The assessment was broken into four phases: Impact Assessment, Consumer Research, Competitor Analysis, and Baseline Measurement. SCCU chose to use the B Impact Assessment (BIA) tool from B Lab to conduct their initial assessment for its immediate availability, low cost (free), and comprehensive set of measures, providing a picture of organizational strengths and opportunities.
Once this work was complete, we led the process of refining their mission, defining their new strategy, and identifying the intended impact areas. We completed a business case and facilitated the creation of a clear action plan covering five Impact Areas and 17 strategic priorities.
The Impact
In 2019 alone, SCCU reduced water use by 68%, saving nearly 560,000 gallons, and avoided paying a water bill as part of the Spokane Scape utility billing credit.
"They have been a great partner and we continue to work with Measure Meant to provide project management and ongoing support for our work.”— Gene Fitzpatrick, Spokane City Credit Union
Mutu Coffee Roasters
The Need
The team at Mutu Coffee Roasters had a dream of creating a coffee company that made a positive impact not just locally, but on the world. They source 80% of their beans from a distributor that works exclusively with women farmers, allowing Mutu to have a positive social impact on women in far off communities, allowing them to purchase land, better support their families, and play bigger role in their communities. The Mutu team came to us to help them formalize their commitments and earn a B Corp certification.
The Work
Measure Meant led Mutu Coffee through the B Corp Certification process. Starting with an initial pass through the B Impact Assessment, Measure Meant created a baseline and identified the gaps that Mutu needed to work on to become certified. The next step was documenting processes and practices and collecting documentation so that B Lab, the nonprofit that manages the certification, could validate Mutu’s submission.
The Impact
Mutu became the first Certified B Corporation in Spokane and shortly after, was contacted by a large retailer (also a B Corp) in California that wanted to Mutu to be a coffee supplier through their website. This opportunity likely would not have materialized without the B Corp Certification.
"Kara was professional, intelligent, organized and was able to keep me on an agreeable, yet aggressive timeline. I highly recommend Measure Meant Social Impact Consulting"— Russell Fleming, Mutu Coffee Roasters
LINC Foods
The Need
LINC is a farmer-owned coop serving the Spokane that provides fresh, locally grown product from small, regional farms who use organic growing practices. By supporting local farms, they are creating a more resilient local economy and providing fresh, healthy food to customers. To expand into the capital-intensive niche of minimally processed foods, LINC applied for an infrastructure grant from the USDA.
The Work
LINC Foods wanted to expand their offering of minimally processed food, which are food items that have been cut, diced, or chopped and/or frozen. To support these efforts, they applied for a USDA Grant to obtain funding to help build small processing infrastructure. The grant required a feasibility study and Measure Meant was asked to make a holistic case for the important role that LINC Foods plays in the community.
The Impact
The feasibility study was vital because the USDA wanted to confirm that there is a viable market and that the funds will help to expand that market. By analyzing aspects of food markets, demand for organic food, health benefits of fresh produce (particularly for school children), social and environmental impacts of organic food, and impacts on the local economy, Measure Meant went beyond basic market signals to demonstrate the deep impact this grant would have.
“The final report was comprehensive and gave us value beyond the grant application. Measure Meant was a joy to work with and an excellent partner throughout the project.””— Emily Himmelright, LINC Foods