Who We Are

Brightline Strategies helps mission-driven organizations design smarter programs, strengthen civic infrastructure, and serve communities more effectively. We specialize in working at the intersection of aging, equity, and community development—especially in rural and regional contexts.

Founded in Maine and led by a gubernatorial appointee to the Volunteer Maine Commission, Brightline combines project management expertise, applied research, and facilitation skill to turn insight into action. Whether you're navigating a stalled initiative or planning for long-term impact, we bring clarity and forward motion.

Our Approach

We don’t just deliver reports—we build tools for real-world use.

Our approach is rooted in listening, learning, and translating what we hear into tangible next steps. We align community voices with leadership goals and help organizations move from uncertainty to practical, measurable action.Each engagement is tailored, collaborative, and grounded in what works on the ground.

Who we serve

  • We serve nonprofits & coalitions
    that are ready to expand impact, secure funding, or refresh strategy.

  • We serve public agencies & municipalities seeking planning support, data insights, or stakeholder engagement.

  • We also partner with universities, foundations & networks building inclusive, evidence-based community initiatives.

Whether you're starting small or scaling up, we meet you where you are—and help you get where you're goin.

FAQs

  • We serve nonprofits & coalitions
    that are ready to expand impact, secure funding, or refresh strategy.

    We serve public agencies & municipalities seeking planning support, data insights, or stakeholder engagement.

    We also partner with universities, foundations & networks building inclusive, evidence-based community initiatives.

    Whether you're starting small or scaling up, we meet you where you are—and help you get where you're going.

  • Start by scheduling a free 30-minute consultation. We’ll discuss your goals, challenges, and what kind of support you’re looking for. If there’s a good fit, we’ll follow up with a proposal tailored to your needs.

  • Our approach is practical, collaborative, and grounded in proven frameworks. We combine strategic insight with hands-on support, and we specialize in helping clients design inclusive solutions—particularly through the lens of age-friendly, community-centered planning.

  • Deliverables vary by project but often include needs assessments, strategic plans, stakeholder engagement summaries, market research reports, and implementation roadmaps—clearly organized and ready to share with internal or external stakeholders.

  • Our pricing depends on the scope and structure of your project. We offer several flexible models:

    • Fixed-fee pricing for clearly scoped projects like strategic plans or assessments

    • Hourly or daily rates for advisory sessions or short-term support

    • Retainer-based pricing for clients needing ongoing guidance over time
      We’ll recommend the best pricing structure during your free consultation and provide a detailed proposal before any work begins.

  • We define success based on your goals—whether that’s increased efficiency, stronger engagement, or better alignment between services and community needs. We incorporate clear metrics into our work, such as implementation progress, stakeholder feedback, improved processes, or funding readiness.

  • Item descriptionYes, we’re happy to provide references and share examples of past projects. Highlights include:

    • Shared Services Assessment for Municipalities: Conducted a strategic assessment for neighboring towns exploring shared service delivery. The work included operational reviews, stakeholder interviews, and feasibility analysis to identify opportunities for collaboration that improved efficiency without sacrificing community identity.

    • Nonprofit Funding Readiness & Formation: Partnered with a startup nonprofit to guide the full process of 501(c)(3) formation. We developed a communications strategy, identified prospective funders, and built a grant readiness roadmap—including narrative framing, funder alignment, and early-stage grant writing support—to position the organization for long-term success.

    • Market Pivot for a Community-Based Business: Supported a beloved local business in redefining its customer base, conducting a Market Gap Analysis, and updating its brand identity. Through community-centered strategy and competitive analysis, we helped the business transition successfully to new ownership, preserving its legacy while preparing it for the future.