- Morgan Stanley employees provided over 11,000 hours of pro bono consulting to 14 nonprofits
- 206 nonprofits served since the program’s launch in 2009
New York -
Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) today announced the winners of this year’s Strategy Challenge, the Firm’s flagship pro bono program which brings together rising talent to help nonprofits solve strategic, mission-critical challenges. The winning teams supported Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) in the U.S. and The Outward Bound Trust in the UK.
Over the past 10 weeks, Morgan Stanley employees provided in-depth, pro bono consulting services to 14 nonprofits on topics such as expanding services, improving productivity and efficiency, and enhancing effectiveness through business and program models. The 2025 Strategy Challenge culminated in events in New York and London, where teams presented their recommendations to nonprofit sector experts and senior leaders at the Firm.
“The Strategy Challenge demonstrates the power of our integrated firm as employees across Morgan Stanley collaborate to help nonprofits address key organizational questions,” said Joan Steinberg, Global Head of Philanthropy at Morgan Stanley and President of the Morgan Stanley Foundation. “This year’s teams all developed rigorous proposals to support strategies for nonprofits that are working to meet critical societal needs, including access to housing, employment opportunities, legal aid and education.”
In the U.S., the winning team worked with LMCC, which provides resources to independent artists in New York City and produces free public arts programming for all New Yorkers. In response to LMCC’s rising property costs and the decline in funding for arts nonprofits, the Morgan Stanley employees analyzed whether the organization should implement a fee-based model to support its artist residency programs. Following extensive research, including a survey of residency alumni, the team developed a plan for LMCC to generate stable funding, increase cash flow and continue its mission of offering free programming through alternative income opportunities.
“It might sound hyperbolic, but the Strategy Challenge really was a once-in-a-lifetime chance for our organization to cultivate greater resilience and sustainability moving forward,” said Moe Yousuf, Interim President and CEO of LMCC. “Our empathetic, generous Morgan Stanley team built trust with us and our artists. Thanks to their hard work, we’ll be able to continue ours for many years to come.”
The winning UK team worked with The Outward Bound Trust, a nonprofit that aims to inspire young people to realize their potential through learning and adventure in the outdoors. The Morgan Stanley volunteers explored whether The Outward Bound Trust should acquire a new site to meet rising demand. They also created a financial viability tool to model and stress test different scenarios depending on funding options. Backed by thorough analysis, the team’s recommendations will enable The Outward Bound Trust to unlock additional liquidity for growth, increase annual net revenue, make future acquisitions and expand programming to reach more young people.
“Through curiosity, diligence and a shared spirit of adventure, the Morgan Stanley team has equipped us with the tools and advice to make even more possible and to think differently as a charity,” said Alan Bolchover, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at The Outward Bound Trust. “Thanks to the Strategy Challenge, we will be in a stronger position to grow and meet the demand for our work, as well as the needs of young people, for generations to come.”
The 14 nonprofits that participated in this year’s Strategy Challenge across the U.S. and the UK include: The Acceleration Project, Action for Children, Amal Alliance, The Arthur Project, Comunilife, Hit the Books, Hudson Community Enterprises, JobsFirstNYC, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, NSPCC, The Outward Bound Trust, Smart Works Charity, The Switch and Volunteers of Legal Service. For more on the Morgan Stanley Strategy Challenge and each of the participating organizations, click here.
About Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley is a leading global financial services firm providing a wide range of investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services. With offices in 42 countries, the Firm’s employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals. For further information about Morgan Stanley, please visit www.morganstanley.com.