“The world needs more ideas like those developed by 180 Degrees Consulting, and more people like them with the social conscience, passion and ability to make change happen.” – Donald J. Johnston, Former OECD Secretary-General (1996-2006)
Jump to: Our Rationale • Our History
180 Degrees Consulting is the world’s largest non-profit student-driven consultancy. Our mission is to strengthen the ability of socially conscious organizations to achieve high impact social outcomes through the development of innovative, practical and sustainable solutions. Teams of university students completing studies in relevant fields work throughout the year with worthwhile organizations to identify and overcome specific challenges they are facing. This process is mutually beneficial. Organizations are assisted in the development of innovative, sustainable and practical solutions. At the same time, students are able to contribute to their communities, apply their university studies in a practical environment, and develop valuable life skills.
A broad range of consulting services are offered, including:
- organisational planning and development,
- market research and analysis
- project review and realisation.
Importantly, we track the progress of clients over time, even after the official consultation process has concluded. By using the records of our international client base to establish best practices, we make an impact on social outcomes in the long-term.
180 Degrees has an international executive that overseas and supports the branches. Each branch is self-sufficient and governed individually by its own team of directors. Branches are situated in more than 14 countries throughout the Asia-Pacific, the Americas, and Europe. Each year several hundred consulting projects are undertaken, involving over 1200 consultants worldwide. For example, we have worked with AfriCap in Mauritius on improving microfinance programs, with A21 in Ukraine on reducing sex trafficking, and with Viola Vitolis in Bangladesh on combating arsenic poisoning.
Our Rationale
Many organizations are constrained by a lack of socially innovative and cost-effective professional services, being unable to rely on for-profit consulting companies to help. This leaves them – and the communities that rely on their services – wanting. At the same time, many talented university students are willing and able to develop solutions to these issues. Their education and skills – but more importantly, their passion and desire to make a social difference – makes them a valuable resource.
At 180 Degrees Consulting, we strive to connect this source of untapped potential to these businesses & organisations who need & desire it the most. In bridging this gap, 180 Degrees creates a significant and tangible social impact. Socially conscious organizations are empowered through the provision of custom solutions to systemic problems. At the same time, students are given the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their communities, apply their university studies in a practical environment, and develop valuable life skills. This mutually beneficial arrangement creates an attractive value proposition.
Our History
The original idea for 180 Degrees came in late 2007. Nathaniel Ware had been volunteering with various non-profit organizations when it dawned on him that the effectiveness of funds is just as important as the level of funds and yet most non-profit organizations have no access to affordable consulting services. At the same time Nathaniel realised that “students have more to offer than simply collecting money for worthwhile causes”. On one hand there were non-profits crying out for thoughtful business advice, and on the other hand were talented and enthusiastic students who wanted hands-on business experience. So Nathaniel, with the help of a team of fellow students, established the first branch of 180 Degrees at The University of Sydney.
Since then, 180 Degrees has expanded to over 14 countries across the world. Working with organisations like Red Cross Australia, Youth Off the Streets, Crossroads, & AfriCap, 180 Degrees continues to enable social impact through sustainable solutions. 180 Degrees Consulting continues to develop its unique student consulting program by creating an international network of independent branches that engage students in practically assisting socially conscious organizations.
