Causey

In a world where mission-driven organizations strive to turn bold visions into lasting results, Ashley|Rountree and Associates and Ascension Strategies (ARAS) stand out as trusted partners. Their people-first consulting approach, combined with the transformative capabilities of the Causey platform, empowers teams to cut through tactical confusion, gain clarity, and build strategies that create meaningful, lasting impact.

A Partnership Built on Purpose, Strategy, and Results

Ashley|Rountree and Associates and Ascension Strategies, operating together as ARAS, have formed a strategic partnership to help organizations plan with focus and intention. Through this collaboration, Ascension Strategies leads Ashley|Rountree’s Strategy and Planning Division, guiding nonprofits as they define their vision and move forward with confidence.

By combining Ashley|Rountree’s deep nonprofit understanding with Ascension Strategies problem solving and planning expertise, the partnership expands access to effective planning for organizations of every size. Together, they address the unique needs of nonprofits through a shared focus on clarity, leadership, and measurable results.

Helping Mission-Driven Organizations Lead with Purpose

ARAS is on a mission to elevate the organizations that elevate others. From community-based nonprofits and philanthropic foundations to government agencies and grassroots initiatives, the firm partners with mission-driven leaders working to advance equity, empowerment, and lasting change.

At the heart of their work is a simple belief: when organizations have strategic clarity, inclusive planning, and empowered leadership, real transformation happens. Whether guiding a team through growth, navigating complex change, or redefining a mission, they bring the tools, mindset, and methods that help purpose-driven organizations thrive.

“We love working with organizations that are navigating complexity, scaling impact, or seeking to evolve their mission.”

Turning Complex Challenges into Clear Strategy

Many nonprofits spend so much time managing daily operations that long-term strategy often takes a back seat. ARAS helps change that by guiding leaders and boards to move from tactical decisions to big-picture thinking that drives meaningful progress.

Their “no stone unturned” approach combines critical thinking, organizational alignment, and forward-looking decision-making to uncover the root challenges that shape success. With experience across sectors and a talent for facilitating open, honest conversations, ARAS turns planning into a process that builds clarity, alignment, and enduring results.

“Our ability to shift organizational leaders and board members from tactical thinking to strategic thinking is one of our strongest differentiators.”

Powering Collaboration Through Causey

Partnering with Causey has helped ARAS take their client work to the next level. The Causey platform strengthens every stage of the planning process by:

• Streamlining communication through a centralized hub
• Enabling real-time collaboration among stakeholders
• Bringing key documents, data, and tools together in one accessible space
• Increasing transparency and engagement across teams
• Building lasting capacity for continued planning and growth

That commitment to clarity extends beyond strategy sessions. Thanks to Causey, it now defines how ARAS collaborates with clients.

“Causey has streamlined communication and increased transparency during planning. It also gives clients long-term access to planning tools and templates, allowing them to revisit and revise their strategies with ease.”

Bringing Strategic Vision to Life: A Client Success Story

In one standout project, ARAS helped a nonprofit bring its strategic vision to life—all within the Causey platform. By capturing the organization’s goals, initiatives, and data in Causey, the team was able to:

• Auto-generate branded materials that reflected their mission
• Communicate their story with confidence
• Attract new funders and partners
• Align internal teams around a shared vision

This success story shows how strategy and storytelling, when connected through Causey, can spark real growth.

“That output helped us pursue new funders, expand partnerships, and align our team around a shared purpose.”

Building Lasting Change Together

ARAS isn’t your typical strategic planning firm. What sets them apart is a deep commitment to people, equity, and impact. Their approach blends:

• Cross-sector expertise that connects nonprofits, government, and philanthropy
• Human-centered design that elevates stakeholder voices
• Equity-focused practices that ensure inclusion at every step
• Tailored engagements shaped by each client’s culture, challenges, and goals

Rather than delivering static plans, ARAS collaborates with clients to co-create living roadmaps that guide transformation and lasting growth.

“We don’t just write strategic plans; we co-create roadmaps for transformation, growth, and resilience.”

Together, Ashley|Rountree and Associates and Ascension Strategies are redefining strategic planning. They’re not just creating plans; they’re helping mission-driven organizations achieve lasting results through clarity, collaboration, and purpose. Using Causey, they’ve reimagined strategic planning as a living, collaborative process that keeps teams engaged and moving toward meaningful results.

Ready to Create Strategic Clarity and Lasting Impact?

If you’re a nonprofit leader seeking a trusted partner to help you navigate change, scale impact, or redefine your strategy—ARAS is ready to guide the way.

Connect with Ashley|Rountree and Associates or Ascension Strategies to explore a tailored approach to strategic planning.