The Cofactor Lab is Our X Factor
In chemistry, a cofactor is a compound necessary to incite a powerful reaction.
SparkYouth is the cofactor for our partner organizations and the youth of New York City, a catalytic ingredient to ignite their potential.
More Than a Check
SparkYouth knows money alone doesn’t create successful organizations.
That’s why we developed the Cofactor Lab, a nexus for connecting grantees with the professional expertise, mentorship, and collaboration every leader needs to succeed.
The Cofactor Lab is SparkYouth’s signature difference. It’s how we build community, deliver customized support, and connect leaders with the resources they need to learn and grow.
Through the Cofactor Lab we provide responsive, tailored operational support to help organizations build their infrastructure. We know the path to sustainability takes strategic investments in people, practices, and resources, so we provide the professional expertise every organization needs to grow.
Cofactor Lab in Action
In 2024 alone, the Cofactor Lab provided 725 hours of consulting and professional development to our grantee organizations, focused on three key determinants of organizational resilience: People, Practices, and Resources.
hours of consulting and professional development in 2024 alone
grantee organizations
key determinants of organizational resilience
People
There is perhaps no greater asset to an organization than its people. SparkYouth invests in the leadership, staff, and boards of our organizations through tailored, one-on-one and small-group support, including:
- Leadership Coaches
- Management Training
- Board Development
Practices
Our organizations are already experts in their programs; SparkYouth helps them build the infrastructure needed for long-term sustainability and growth. Our ‘deep-dive’ programs cover such topics as:
- Strategic Planning
- Policies and Procedures
- Succession Planning
Resources
Ask any nonprofit leader what keeps them up at night and they’ll tell you: money. SparkYouth leans into that challenge with concrete support to help organizations plan for the future and build resources via:
- Scenario Planning
- Financial Management
- Fundraising Support
Learn more about our impact
Get Involved
Want to ignite opportunity?
Join us and give more young people opportunities to explore, dream, and thrive.
