Independent Management & Social Impact Consulting

About
Sage Strategy Lab

Sage Strategy Lab is an independent management and social impact consulting firm. We help nonprofits, community organizations, and mission-driven businesses strengthen their operations, secure resources, and make informed decisions.

A Note from Our Founder

Martina Stanley, MPA, MSW, CFRE | Founder & Principal Consultant

Over the past 15 years, I've had the opportunity to work alongside grassroots leaders, nonprofit organizations, public institutions, and philanthropic partners. I've seen what thoughtful leadership, strong relationships, and access to resources can make possible. I've also seen how much time and energy organizations spend navigating systems that were not necessarily designed with their needs in mind.

My work has taken me from grassroots initiatives to public institutions, with experience in organizational leadership, philanthropy, and social innovation. Along the way, I've developed a deep understanding of what it takes to turn community priorities into well-funded, effectively managed programs.

Martina Stanley, MPA, MSW, CFRE
Founder & Principal Consultant
Sage Strategy Lab

Mission

Vision We envision a future where communities shape the decisions that affect their lives, have greater control over resources, and are supported by well-resourced, accountable institutions that reflect their priorities.

Vision

We envision a future where communities shape the decisions that affect their lives, have greater control over resources, and are supported by well-resourced, accountable institutions that reflect their priorities.

How we work

We begin by understanding the people, priorities, and systems behind each organization. Through listening, research, and careful assessment, we identify opportunities, clarify priorities, and develop strategies grounded in evidence and experience. Our approach is collaborative, culturally responsive, and informed by principles of dignity, equity, and self-determination. We consider both organizational realities and the communities affected by decisions, ensuring our recommendations are practical, responsive, and built for implementation.

Values

Community

We recognize community
knowledge, lived experience,
and local leadership as essential
to meaningful decisions.

Curiosity

We question assumptions,
seek understanding, and
remain open to new
perspectives.

Care

We honor the dignity, time, and
contributions of everyone
involved in our work.

Collaboration

We build genuine partnerships
grounded in shared knowledge,
trust, and mutual accountability.

Liberation

We challenge barriers to
opportunity, access, and
self-determination.

Integrity

We lead with honesty,
transparency, and responsibility
in our relationships and
recommendations.

Sustainability

We prioritize strategies, resources, and systems that organizations can maintain and adopt over time.

Our Process

  1. Listen &
    Understand

    Learn the context, relationships, and priorities.

  2. Research &
    Assess

    Examine evidence, resources, and opportunities.

  3. Strategize &
    Design

    Develop informed, actionable solutions together.

  4. Implement &
    Support

    Translate strategy into practice.

  5. Learn &
    Adapt

    Evaluate progress and refine the approach.

Tell us what you are working on.

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Work with Sage.