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Investing in the people behind the mission: Reflections from our work with Just a Drop
Sladen Consulting
SustainabilityLast week, we opened applications for the 2026 Butterfly Fund Leadership & Capacity-Building Grant.
As we begin welcoming applications from charities and non-profit organisations around the world, we wanted to share a recent example of the kind of impact this support can create.
A Day Dedicated to Connection
Recently, Simone Douani and Katie Sinclair from the Sladen team partnered with Butterfly Fund client Just a Drop to facilitate a team away day designed to strengthen connection, reflection and appreciation across the organisation.
For those unfamiliar with their work, Just a Drop is an international charity that brings safe water, sanitation and hygiene projects to communities around the world. Through their work, they help transform lives by improving access to one of life's most fundamental human needs: clean water.
Like many purpose-driven organisations, Just a Drop is powered by people who care deeply about the mission they serve. Yet when organisations are focused on creating impact every day, it can be difficult to find the time and space to step back, reflect and invest in the team itself.
That's where leadership and organisational development can make a meaningful difference.
Creating Space for Reflection
The aim of the offsite was not simply to bring people together. It was to create an environment where team members could deepen their understanding of one another, celebrate their individual contributions and strengthen the relationships that support their collective work.
The feedback that followed perfectly captured why this work matters.
As Fiona Jeffery, Founder and Chair of Just a Drop, shared:
"Everyone, without exception, enjoyed it – even those who don't like to be in the limelight. It was fun, insightful and genuinely rewarding."
She went on to reflect that the day helped the team learn more about one another, recognise and appreciate each other's contributions, and strengthen the organisation moving forward.
Fiona's feedback captures something important.
When we talk about leadership development, team effectiveness and organisational capacity, we're not simply talking about frameworks, workshops or coaching sessions. We're talking about creating the conditions in which people can do their best work together.
The Ripple Effect
At Sladen Consulting, we often talk about ripple effects.
The Butterfly Fund was created on the belief that small investments in people can create far-reaching impact.
When leaders gain clarity, teams strengthen their relationships, and organisations become more aligned, the benefits extend far beyond those directly involved. They ripple outwards to colleagues, communities, beneficiaries and the causes they serve.
This is particularly true in the charity sector, where resources are often stretched and operational demands can leave little time for reflection and development.
Yet it is often these very investments in leadership, team effectiveness and organisational capability that enable organisations to sustain and amplify their impact over time.
Thank You
A huge thank you to Simone and Katie for bringing such positive energy, expertise and care to the day.
And last but not least, thank you to Fiona and the whole Just a Drop team for their trust, openness and willingness to invest in their people and each other.
It was a privilege to support your journey.
Stories like this remind us why the fund exists in the first place.
Because behind every charity, every nonprofit and every cause are people.
And when people thrive, organisations are better equipped to create meaningful and lasting impact.
If your charity or nonprofit organisation is advancing health and well-being and would benefit from leadership and organisational development support, we would love to hear from you.
🦋 Learn more about the Butterfly Fund and apply today (the application window is open until 7 July 2026).
