Driving change where it’s needed most
Your work means something to people. You wouldn’t be doing it otherwise. Lake Effect Impact uses data, research and storytelling to help nonprofits make the biggest difference possible and show funders why their work matters.
About me
My name is Cid Standifer. I’ve lived all over the U.S. and internationally, but Cleveland has been my home since 2017. I have two decades of experience as an investigative journalist, but over my travels I’ve also picked up a diverse set of skills that can multiply the impact of nonprofit organizations and social programs.
Services
Editing
Have a report, grant, or website that’s already drafted, but just needs another set of eyes? I have years of professional experience as both a content editor and a copy editor. Whether you need big-picture feedback or line-by-line grammar notes, I can help make your writing more professional, accessible, and engaging.
Grant Writing
As an experienced development professional, I can help with any part of the grant cycle, from identifying opportunities to submitting reports. I can both locate promising grant opportunities for your programs and write grants for funds from private foundations, community foundations, and government entities.
Data Collection
Even if you can see the impact you’re having, it’s hard to convince funders without data. I can use surveys, interviews, and internal program data to show what you do for your clients. I can also design data collection systems for new or existing programs to track program outcomes effectively.
Data Analysis
Whether you need to crunch one spreadsheet or perform a reproducible, code-based analysis of government data, I can help. I provide polished, easy-to-read graphics so both you and your supporters understand what the data actually means.
Multilingual Design & Accessibility
While I recommend hiring native speakers for translations, I can help design programs and materials that are accessible for multilingual clients. I ensure translated materials use the right language, script, and display correctly. I can also help you locate translators and interpreters for hire.
Training
Upskilling is better than outsourcing. I provide group trainings and one-on-one coaching in AI workflows, data visualization, grant writing, and other professional skills you need.
Reports
Whether it’s an impact report, annual report, or white paper, I collaborate with you and your program’s stakeholders to produce an accurate, compelling, polished final product.
Investigation
With over 15 years as an investigative reporter, I collect documents, crunch data, and interview stakeholders to get real facts. I can produce public-facing investigative reports that are responsible, fair, and factually accurate.
Media Engagement
With two decades of experience in the news industry, I know what kinds of press releases get reporters’ attention and how to connect you with journalists who care about your issue.
My priorities
I’ve worked on a wide range of issues as a journalist, researcher and nonprofit professional, but there are a few causes that are near and dear to my heart. That also means they’re topics I’ve researched deeply and can sincerely, passionately advocate for to your supporters. I also believe that our most intractable problems are all interconnected, and I’m interested in programs that address them indirectly too.
Justice
I want a world where the justice system is humane, equitable and reasonable for everyone, including victims, perpetrators, family and community members. If your program moves us toward a saner justice system focused on repair rather than disposal, I support it.
Immigration
I am pro-immigrant, documented or otherwise, and I don’t believe your rights should depend on where you happened to be born. Newcomers enrich this country in every dimension—economic, cultural and moral. In particular, people who fought alongside American troops in our foreign wars should be welcomed and supported, along with their families.
Race equity
Any program operating in Cleveland, or in America, must take into account the uneven playing field in order to be effective. Gaps between white and Black and brown communities in educational outcomes, income, wealth, criminalization, and every other aspect of American life were deliberately created and have to be deliberately dismantled for all of us to live in a just society.
The Environment
Biodiversity is something worth preserving in itself, but environmental degradation also has a human cost, and that cost isn’t borne equally. Environmental issues are also equity issues. When some people live in a more toxic environment than others, it’s a housing issue, an education issue, a race issue and a justice issue.
Education
It’s not just that everyone deserves access to a high quality education and support services — although they do. It’s also that equitable, accessible, quality education lets us to build a better future for everyone. I love programs that help students from preschool to grad school make the most of themselves.
Housing
It’s hard to move forward in your life without a safe, stable, affordable place to live. We all share a world with rules about where and how people are allowed to exist, and that shapes every part of our lives, from the environment to politics. Whether you’re giving people a good alternative to the streets or preventing housing stock decay, I want to help people be at home.
Portfolio
Reports
Data visualization
Media outreach
Analysis
Contact me
Want to talk about a project? Drop me a quick email here or at cid.standifer@gmail.com. Please send a little information about the project you need help with and some dates and times you’re available to talk on Google Meet or the phone.