Case Studies: Empowering NGOs with the Expertise of Retired Professionals
In the non-profit world, every resource counts. But one of the most valuable resources experience is often overlooked. At WisdomCircle, we’re seeing a different story unfold. Retired professionals bring their skills to the social sector, helping organisations work more efficiently, solve complex challenges, and create lasting impact.
Here are four real stories of how experience is making a difference.
Helping an NGO Work Smarter: Sujatha's Journey with The Association of People with Disability
When The APD needed a consultant to streamline its internal processes, they were not looking for just any expert; they wanted someone who had successfully implemented this before.
That’s when they turned to WisdomCircle and connected with Sujatha Ajila , one whose expertise was the perfect fit.
Sujatha is a retired Business Manager with 16 years of experience in Project and Financial Management. She, too, was looking for a flexible role given her recent diagnosis of Parkinson's. APD recognised her expertise, resilience, and passion, seeing the value she brought to the table. Today, she is helping them work smarter while contributing to a cause she truly believes in.
Supporting Classrooms: Teach for India
Teach for India leverages volunteers to support their fellows inside under-resourced classrooms. But finding committed volunteers, especially for in-person roles, was a challenge.
Through WisdomCircle, they were matched with seasoned professionals committed to giving back. Five volunteers came into the program and provided much-needed classroom support. One impressed Teach for India so much that they were encouraged to apply for full-time fellowships. This is proof that experience in any field can indeed translate into impactful work.
NGO Leadership: Strengthening Updeshak's Success?
The Updeshak Program of the Dhwani Foundation matches grassroots NGOs with competent practitioners in Compliance, Governance, Technology Adoption, Fundraising, and Strategy.
Since listing with WisdomCircle, Dhwani has welcomed 17 professionals into its program. These individuals have spent decades building organisations and now want to support the non-profit sector. Their contributions go a long way in enabling NGOs to work more efficiently and serve more needy people.
Finding the Right Expert for Bringing Finance In-House
An NGO (choosing to remain anonymous) that works tirelessly to uplift marginalised communities had been outsourcing its financial operations for quite some time and wanted to own its finances. However, it required the right leadership, finance, and social sector knowledge.
When they put up the role on WisdomCircle, they received applications from multiple retired finance professionals. After a careful selection process, they found their ideal candidate: a finance expert with non-profit experience who now leads their in-house team.
What These Stories Tell Us
The social sector needs expertise. And thousands of retirees are looking for meaningful ways to use theirs.
At WisdomCircle, we’re making those connections. These are just a few examples of how experienced professionals are stepping up, solving problems, and making a real difference.