STRATEGIC CONSULTING
Navigating the space between what is and what’s possible
Jeanius Lab partners with nonprofits, funders, philanthropic networks, and public sector leaders to strengthen their teams and drive lasting impact.
About Jeanius Lab
Jeanius Lab, LLC is a strategic consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations evolve through practical solutions that foster real progress.
With 30 years of experience in strategic planning, organizational development, and leadership alignment, Jeanius Lab specializes in reimagining systems to build fair, effective, and sustainable business models - benefiting our workers, our partners, and our society.
As part of Colmena Consulting, we help our clients navigate complex challenges through a shared aim for collective liberation and transformative change.
Our Services
Strategic Guidance
Align your vision, operations, and resources to navigate change with confidence and achieve meaningful impact.
Capacity Building
Enhance teamwork, communication, and adaptability with practical tools and frameworks.
Collaborative Problem-Solving
Expertly facilitated sessions guide you to solve tough problems, set shared goals, and develop clear next steps.
Impact-Focused Learning Design
Create dynamic learning experiences that drive engagement and action.
Technology & Process Optimization
Leverage technology to improve collaboration, efficiency, and accessibility while staying true to your mission.
“Your work is incredibly important. We are deeply grateful for your recent guidance. You bring so much value to the partnership, and we are more prepared, aware, and effective because of you.”
Meet the Founder
Melissa Sines is a network strategist, capacity builder, and learning design specialist with three decades of experience. As the owner of Jeanius Lab, LLC, she works with mission-driven groups to refine their approaches, strengthen their structures, and implement solutions that create collective-driven transformation.
Melissa specializes in navigating complexity, aligning diverse stakeholders, and designing adaptive frameworks that drive meaningful advancement. She collaborates with leaders and teams ready to challenge the status quo—facilitating big-picture thinking, operational efficiency, and innovative learning approaches.
As a long-time organizer, Melissa works at the intersection of philanthropy, nonprofits, and the public sector. She serves on grantmaking and nonprofit committees and is a partner at Colmena Consulting, a cooperative of consultants, coaches, and change-makers committed to fairness and equal opportunities for everyone.
At her core, Melissa is a sense-maker and connector passionate about helping organizations to bridge the gap between where they are and where they aspire to be.
Featured Engagements
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Expanding Philanthropic Impact
Song Foundation
Led a team to launch this new social impact foundation by developing a philanthropic giving framework, mission, vision, values, and grantmaking strategy.
Held community focus groups and interviews to ensure the foundation’s approach aligned with the needs and aspirations of the communities it serves. Provided guidance on early grantmaking priorities and impact measurement strategies.
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Collaborative Visioning
Chesapeake Bay Funders Network
Facilitated a visioning session at the Choose Clean Water Coalition Annual Conference, aligning funders and nonprofits in the clean water movement.
Integrated broad community engagement, practical solutions, and people-centered outcomes into long-term strategies. Developed collaborative funding priorities, guiding partners to enhance water quality efforts while ensuring equity and accessibility for impacted communities.
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Advancing Sustainable Growth
Coalition for a Healthier Frederick County
Strengthened leadership, governance, finance, operations, strategy, fundraising, and advocacy capabilities to support this growing coalition in preparation for the Standards for Excellence Institute accreditation.
Developed policies, structures, and workflows to sustain these efforts. Provided training and coaching to finance staff and board members, positioning the coalition for larger state and federal grants.
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National Conference Management
Council on Foundations
Event lead for the Council on Foundations’ 2023, 2024, and 2025 annual conferences.
Coordinated internal and external stakeholders, delegated responsibilities, and ensured budget compliance and deadlines. Provided training and coaching to staff to develop expertise in conference management and programming. Led strategic planning sessions to shape content, logistics, and attendee engagement.
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Optimizing Funder Operations
The Collins Foundation
Redesigned funder grantmaking workflows through cross-team collaboration, implementing immediate improvements while selecting a new technology platform for long-term continuity. Developed a data migration plan with workflows, templates, and tools for smooth adoption, enhancing transparency and reducing administrative burdens to strengthen team and trustee commitment to expanding access.
Clients
