THE FOUR ORGANISATIONAL STAGES
Across the top of the LiiFT framework are four stages that reflect the different points organisations may be at in their lifecycle:
FOUNDATIONS: Getting the basics right.
STRENGTHEN: Formalising systems and leadership.
SUSTAIN & SCALE. Managing complexity and growth.
RENEW & REIMAGINE: Reflecting, resetting, future focus.
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Organisations may move between stages over time. LiiFT is not a linear pathway, and organisations can engage with learning at any stage depending on their current context and challenges.
UNDERSTAND WHERE YOUR ORGANISATION IS RIGHT NOW
Community organisations change over time. Funding, leadership, scale, demand, and external pressures all affect how organisations operate – and what support is most useful at any given point.
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LiiFT Aotearoa recognises that organisations are often at different stages of development, and that good practice looks different depending on context.
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This page is designed to help you reflect on where your organisation is right now, not where you think it “should” be.
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There is no judgement, and no expectation that organisations move neatly from one stage to another.
HOW TO USE THIS PAGE
Read through the four stages below and notice which description resonates most strongly with your current reality.
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You may recognise elements of more than one stage. That’s normal.
Choose the stage that best reflects the dominant challenges and priorities you’re experiencing at the moment.
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You can revisit this page at any time as your organisation changes.
WHICH STAGE ARE YOU?
FOUNDATIONS
Getting the basics right
Organisations at this stage are often:
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Newly established or recently formalised.
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Building confidence in governance, roles, and responsibilities.
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Reliant on a small number of people or volunteers.
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Focused on setting up systems, policies, and basic processes.
Common priorities include:
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Understanding governance and legal responsibilities.
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Clarifying purpose, roles, and decision-making.
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Establishing basic financial systems and reporting.
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Developing early funding and sustainability approaches.
STRENGTHEN
Formalising systems and practice
Organisations at this stage are often:
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Organisations at this stage are often:
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Growing in activity, funding, or profile.
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Working to formalise governance and management practice.
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Refining systems, policies, and accountability.
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Strengthening leadership and operational clarity.
Common priorities include:
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Improving board effectiveness and governance practice.
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Strengthening financial oversight and reporting.
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Developing clearer funding strategies.
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Supporting staff and volunteers as roles expand.
SUSTAIN & SCALE
Managing complexity and long-term impact
Organisations at this stage are often:
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Managing multiple programmes, contracts, or funding streams.
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Navigating increased risk, compliance, and accountability.
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Balancing growth with sustainability and wellbeing.
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Focusing on long-term impact and resilience.
Common priorities include:
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Governing complexity and risk.
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Strengthening leadership succession and workforce wellbeing.
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Refining strategy and impact measurement.
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Ensuring funding and systems remain sustainable.
RENEW & REIMAGINE
Reflecting, resetting, and
planning what’s next
Organisations at this stage are often:
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Experiencing significant change or transition.
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Responding to funding shifts, leadership change, or external pressures.
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Reflecting on purpose, relevance, or future direction.
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Considering new ways of working or delivering impact.
Common priorities include:
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Strategic reflection and future planning.
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Reviewing governance and leadership arrangements.
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Rethinking funding and sustainability models.
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Supporting people through change.
A FEW IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER
These stages are not linear - organisations may move between them over time.
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Being at an earlier stage does not mean an organisation is less effective or valuable.
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Change in funding, leadership, or context can shift an organisation’s stage quickly.
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The goal is not to “advance” stages, but to focus on what matters most next.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
Once you have a sense of your current stage, you can:
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Explore learning and pathways aligned to your stage and capability priorities.
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Browse What’s On to see upcoming sessions.
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Talk to us about facilitated or tailored support if you’re navigating complexity or change.
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LiiFT is designed to meet organisations where they are and support them to take the next best step.
