We help institutions fund smarter and grow faster by applying start-up speed, agility, and strategy to build sustainable funding models.
Government funding is no longer a certainty—institutions that innovate will lead the future. Lion’s Share Strategies empowers your team with entrepreneurial strategies that attract investors, philanthropists, and public-private partnerships. The result is a diversified, more resilient funding mix.
There are other avenues for universities, research centers, and non-profits that are facing increasing financial strain due to shifting government priorities.
🔹 As we move toward a more entrepreneurial, AI-driven future, the institutions that thrive will be those that clearly communicate their value to a mix of funder audiences.
🔹 Being adaptable, nimble, and value-driven is the key to building long-term financial sustainability.
🔹The key is to diversify your funding sources to create resilience. Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
Here's How We Help
The Lion’s Share Growth Suite
Our suite of services help impact-driven organizations adopt entrepreneurial strategies that span the full revenue-generation pipeline from visibility and positioning to closed partnerships and awarded funding.
Proposal & Campaign Development
Training, Coaching & Strategic Planning
Hands-On Project Management
Why think like a start-up?
🔹Federal funding uncertainty is at an all-time high. Institutions are being forced to adapt, but lack the expertise. The demand for entrepreneurial strategies is growing rapidly.
🔹Start-ups are nimble, audience-driven, and laser-focused on delivering value—cutting anything that doesn’t serve the mission or the audience.
🔹 In a world of shrinking federal funding, the institutions that survive won’t wait for a lifeline—they’ll claim the lion’s share of new opportunities.
Case Studies
🔹 The Challenge: ASU needed to enhance research capabilities while reducing reliance on federal funding.
🔹 The Solution: ASU focused on technology transfer and commercialization, launching over 180 companies based on university innovations.
🔹 The Outcome: ASU became a leader in public-private partnerships, securing millions in non-government funding.
Arizona State
University
🔹 The Challenge: SRI International, originally Stanford Research Institute, sought to translate its research into sustainable, real-world applications.
🔹 The Solution: Created 60+ spin-off companies with private sector investors to bring research innovations to market.
🔹 The Outcome: SRI’s commercialization efforts generated millions in revenue, attracting further investments.
Stanford Research
Institute
🔹 The Challenge: Hillsdale College wanted to maintain educational autonomy and avoid regulations tied to federal funding.
🔹 The Solution: Made a bold move to forgo all federal and state and build an endowment through philanthropy.
🔹 The Outcome: Hillsdale’s endowment surpassed $900 million, providing substantial student aid and grow without relying on fluctuating government funding.
Hillsdale College
We've spent our careers at the intersection of education, research, and entrepreneurship, working inside government-funded institutions and non-profits while also leading in the fast-paced world of start-ups and enterprise consulting.
Lion's Share Strategies began equipping institutions with start-up methodologies over eight years ago, as shifting funding landscapes and market conditions forced federally-funded organizations to rethink sustainability.
At the time, the biggest challenge was the looming enrollment cliff, which pushed colleges and universities toward closures and mergers. We helped institutions diversify their funding models using Silicon Valley-inspired strategies, reducing their reliance on federal student loans and positioning them for long-term resilience
Today, a broader transformation is underway. Institutions heavily dependent on federal funding are finding it increasingly difficult to adapt as the country shifts toward an entrepreneurial-driven, AI-first landscape. Those that embrace new strategies, commercialization opportunities, and diversified funding streams will lead the future. Those that don’t risk being left behind.
💡 That’s where we come in. No other consulting group is as well-positioned at this intersection of start-up strategy and mission-driven institutions. We empower institutions to take control of their financial future—leveraging market-driven approaches, AI-powered insights, and public-private partnerships to build lasting sustainability.
We help institutions transition from reliance on government dollars to self-sustaining, entrepreneurial models. Using the same strategies that have fueled the success of high-growth start-ups, we work with organizations to:
✔️ Diversify their revenue streams beyond grants and appropriations
✔️ Turn research into revenue through commercialization & partnerships
✔️ Secure corporate, philanthropic, and private-sector investment
✔️ Leverage AI-driven strategies to create new funding opportunities
✔️ Build innovation ecosystems that attract sustained external funding
If your institution is feeling the strain of funding uncertainty, the solution isn’t to wait—it’s to reinvent. We can help you develop a strategic roadmap that turns risk into opportunity and positions you for long-term sustainability.
Let’s build a future where your organization isn’t just surviving—it’s leading.