Have an Initiative That May Fit?

ClassACT HRX8 considers nonprofit initiatives in which classmates are directly involved and in which the HRX8 network can provide concrete strategic, operational, professional, or relationship-based support.

We are especially interested in initiatives where alumni experience, judgment, introductions, or board-level engagement can advance the work.

HRX8 does not seek to direct, own, govern, or manage initiatives. Our role is to connect initiative leaders with classmates and Harvard alumni whose experience, relationships, and skills can advance the work.

Criteria for New Initiatives

A potential initiative should meet the following criteria.

Classmate Connection

The initiative should be founded, sponsored, championed, or actively supported by a Harvard or Radcliffe classmate who has a direct and substantive connection to the work.

Nonprofit or Civic Purpose

The initiative should serve a charitable, educational, health-related, humanitarian, community, or civic purpose.

Clear Need for Alumni Support

The initiative should address a specific need that alumni's experience, relationships, or professional expertise can help address.

Examples may include:

• strategic planning;

• governance or board development;

• legal, financial, medical, educational, communications, or operational expertise;

• introductions to partners, advisors, institutions, or supporters;

• nonprofit growth or sustainability planning;

• visibility, advocacy, or network-building.

Practical Fit

HRX8 should be able to make a useful contribution without taking the initiative or creating unnecessary administrative complexity.

Leadership

The initiative should have committed leadership, a credible plan, and a willingness to collaborate with HRX8 and its alumni network.

Nonpartisan Alignment

HRX8 is not a political organization. Initiatives should be consistent with HRX8’s nonpartisan posture and should not require HRX8 to advocate for partisan political outcomes.

Potential for Impact

The initiative should address a real need and offer a genuine opportunity for alumni support to advance the work.

What HRX8 Does Not Do

HRX8 is designed to provide targeted support — not to serve as a general-purpose funding platform, consulting practice, federation of classes, membership organization, or substitute management team.

HRX8 does not:

  • assume operational control of an initiative;

  • own, govern, or manage an initiative;

  • guarantee fundraising support;

  • function as a fiscal sponsor unless separately approved;

  • manage an initiative’s staff, board, or programs;

  • accept initiatives where the only request is general fundraising;

  • support initiatives that lack a substantive classmate connection;

  • support partisan political activity;

  • define a common agenda for other classes or organizations;

  • take on initiatives where HRX8 cannot provide a clear and useful contribution.

HRX8’s value lies in relationships, judgment, introductions, professional guidance, governance support, visibility, and direct support.

What HRX8 Can Help With

HRX8 may be able to help initiatives by connecting them with alumni who can provide:

• strategic guidance;

• governance or board support;

• professional expertise;

• introductions and network support;

• communications or visibility;

• operational or growth planning;

• institutional relationships;

• advisory support.

The goal is direct, targeted support: helping good initiatives become stronger, more sustainable, and more effective.

Before You Submit

Before submitting an initiative, please be prepared to describe:

• the initiative’s mission;

• who it serves;

• the classmate connection;

• the current stage of the work;

• the specific kind of help needed;

• why HRX8 may be a good fit;

• whether the initiative is a nonprofit or fiscally sponsored organization;

• whether the initiative is nonpartisan.

Initiative Form