Case Study
🏙️ Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition
Client Profile
The Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition (BDEC) is a collaborative network of over 100 organizations united by a shared mission: to eliminate the digital divide and promote inclusive access to technology across Baltimore. Founded in response to the urgent need for digital connectivity, BDEC brings together nonprofits, government agencies, educators, and community leaders to advance digital equity through coordinated action.
The coalition focuses on expanding internet access, digital literacy, device distribution, and policy advocacy to ensure that every Baltimore resident can fully participate in today’s digital world. It serves as a central hub for resources, strategic partnerships, and community-driven solutions that empower individuals and strengthen neighborhoods.
https://www.digitalequitybaltimore.org/
The Challenge
BDEC was at a crossroads. With shifting federal priorities following the 2025 election, the coalition needed a unified strategic plan that would clarify its mission, goals, and priorities to face challenges in sustaining funding, coordinating member efforts, and influencing policy.
BDEC partnered with BCS to navigate this pivotal moment in its evolution. Over the course of 6 months, BCS conducted nearly 20 stakeholder interviews, facilitated strategic planning sessions, and delivered a comprehensive FY25–28 Strategic Plan. The result: a unified mission, actionable goals, and a strengthened coalition poised to lead digital equity efforts with renewed focus and impact.
🎯 Objectives:
-
Conduct a landscape analysis and stakeholder interviews
-
Facilitate strategic planning sessions and develop a SWOT analysis
-
Draft a multi-year strategic plan with clear implementation phases
-
Support BDEC’s transition toward nonprofit incorporation and funding diversification
The Solution
BCS led a three-phase strategic planning engagement over 6 months:
Phase 1: Exploration & Landscape Interviews
BCS began with a 60-minute kickoff meeting with BDEC’s Executive Director and Advisory Board Chair. This was followed by 12 in-depth virtual interviews with Advisory Board members, capturing insights on BDEC's strengths, challenges, and aspirations for the future.
👥 Interview Participants
BCS facilitated interviews with a diverse group of stakeholders, including:
-
Advisory Board members from organizations such as Digital Harbor Foundation and Project Waves
-
Philanthropic leaders from the Abell and Deutsch Foundations
-
Policy experts, educators, and community advocates
Phase 2: Stakeholder Engagement & Data Analysis
BCS conducted 7 additional interviews with key stakeholders and partners, including leaders from philanthropic foundations, technology organizations, and community development groups. We synthesized the feedback into a draft report, highlighting opportunities for policy leadership, capacity building, and organizational maturity.
Phase 3: Strategic Plan Development
BCS led the drafting of BDEC’s FY25–28 Strategic Plan, which included:
-
A 3-year implementation timeline with phased goals
-
Revenue projections and funding diversification strategies
-
A roadmap for 501(c)(3) incorporation
-
Governance and organizational enhancements
-
Advocacy tools such as a digital equity scorecard
The plan was reviewed in a collaborative implementation session and finalized for public release.
The Results
As a result of Bell Consulting Services’ strategic planning engagement, the Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition emerged with a clear and unified direction.
-
The coalition received a 20-page actionable plan to help redefine its mission, purpose, and governance structure, laying the groundwork for its transition to nonprofit status.
-
The organization also established a number or critical goals to pursue including developing a digital equity scorecard, to position BDEC as a credible policy leader in the region.
-
The strategic plan also introduced a phased implementation timeline and revenue diversification strategy, empowering BDEC to pursue sustainable funding and deeper community impact.
With renewed clarity and cohesion, the coalition is now equipped to lead Baltimore’s digital equity movement with purpose and resilience.
