2 minutes

4 myths about scaling with government

Challenged by those who’ve done it.

Ankita Nawalakha
Senior Consultant
November 21, 2025
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Many of the usual funding sources have dried up, especially in the wake of recent global events. This means many nonprofits will need to scale with governments wherever possible.

But is the way we’re thinking about these partnerships always setting us up for success?

Most likely not.

Here’s why:

We recently co-hosted a webinar with Global Schools Forum featuring leaders who have successfully scaled through government partnerships. Their insights revealed that the assumptions we often make can hold us back.

There is no tidy playbook. Governments — and the systems around them — are complex. But with a deeper understanding of how those systems operate, we can better prepare to scale alongside the largest impact player in any ecosystem.

Below are some of the most common assumptions — and the reality of what scaling with government actually takes.

Whether you’re an implementer, funder, or policy advocate, the real question isn’t just How do we scale with government?

It’s What assumptions do we need to let go of first?

Take a deep dive into what it takes

Drawn from those who’ve made it work through years of iteration, compromise, and persistence.

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