Daniel Ross

Daniel Ross, DAISA Enterprises


DAISA Enterprises is a national team of equity-focused consultants working at the intersection of food, culture, and health. We partner with social enterprises, nonprofits, community leaders, policy makers, and mission-aligned investors to support the realization of equitable food systems and vibrant communities.

Our funder clients have included Kresge, Rockefeller, Robert Wood Johnson, Harvard Pilgrim Health, and more.

Philosophy/Approach: DAISA brings a unique passionate and entrepreneurial energy to supporting foundations with funding program design and implementation. All of our team members have been on the frontlines of low-income communities as nonprofit leaders, social entrepreneurs, and community changemakers, and care deeply about social change and partnerships.

We blend that community grounding with top-level business training and national systems-change strategy and experience. We draw on extensive diverse networks throughout the country.

Types of clients: Private foundations, Corporation foundations, Small Nonprofits, Major Nonprofits

Specialization: DAISA work has centered around food systems and community health, but also with great strengths in community and economic development, creative placemaking (arts & culture for community identity), environmental justice, social determinants of health, and a through-thread of social equity.

We have worked with regional and national foundations on:

  • Field-scan research

  • Funding program strategy and design - theory of change development, participatory design processes

  • Program Implementation, National Program Office role - Administration, oversight of program evaluation and communications, technical assistance and Learning Community cohort support, facilitation of national advisory group, synthesizing learnings and recommendations for foundation

  • Cohort Convenings - high-impact, high learning and joy gatherings

  • Equitable Evaluation

  • Impact investing strategy, review, diligence, TA support (usually in food systems enterprises)

"Drawing on extraordinary practical experiences, innovative problem solving, a deep understanding of mission-oriented business practice, and excellent interpersonal skills, DAISA allowed us to maximize our grant outcomes and better position the venture for success."

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Fred & Barbara Erb Family Foundation, MI

Daniel Ross