Daniel Ross, DAISA Enterprises
DAISA Enterprises is a national team of equity-focused consultants working at the intersection of food, culture, and health. We partner with social enterprises, nonprofits, community leaders, policy makers, and mission-aligned investors to support the realization of equitable food systems and vibrant communities.
Our funder clients have included Kresge, Rockefeller, Robert Wood Johnson, Harvard Pilgrim Health, and more.
Philosophy/Approach: DAISA brings a unique passionate and entrepreneurial energy to supporting foundations with funding program design and implementation. All of our team members have been on the frontlines of low-income communities as nonprofit leaders, social entrepreneurs, and community changemakers, and care deeply about social change and partnerships.
We blend that community grounding with top-level business training and national systems-change strategy and experience. We draw on extensive diverse networks throughout the country.
Types of clients: Private foundations, Corporation foundations, Small Nonprofits, Major Nonprofits
Specialization: DAISA work has centered around food systems and community health, but also with great strengths in community and economic development, creative placemaking (arts & culture for community identity), environmental justice, social determinants of health, and a through-thread of social equity.
We have worked with regional and national foundations on:
- Field-scan research
- Funding program strategy and design – theory of change development, participatory design processes
- Program Implementation, National Program Office role – Administration, oversight of program evaluation and communications, technical assistance and Learning Community cohort support, facilitation of national advisory group, synthesizing learnings and recommendations for foundation
- Cohort Convenings – high-impact, high learning and joy gatherings
- Equitable Evaluation
- Impact investing strategy, review, diligence, TA support (usually in food systems enterprises)
Drawing on extraordinary practical experiences, innovative problem solving, a deep understanding of mission-oriented business practice, and excellent interpersonal skills, DAISA allowed us to maximize our grant outcomes and better position the venture for success.
– Fred & Barbara Erb Family Foundation, MI
Daniel Ross
