Nonprofit Model
We configured MASS as a nonprofit to expand access to good design.
We raise $5M+ annually to invest philanthropic funding in critical focus areas, which we call our design labs.
→ Find our more about our Design Labs
Butaro Doctors' Housing, Butaro, Rwanda
Iwan Baan
Each lab has three work streams.
Research
Our research begins with understanding the core problems and the barriers that prevent effective intervention. By mapping these challenges, we can identify opportunities where design has the potential to create transformational impact. Through our research and advocacy, we ensure that the lessons learned in one community are not isolated, but made accessible to communities worldwide.
Catalyst Projects
Catalyst projects serve as proof of concept, bringing to life initiatives that might not otherwise be realized. By conducting research and development, these projects help de-risk innovative design approaches, allowing us to test and implement novel strategies with confidence. In doing so, they generate evidence that demonstrates both the feasibility and the long-term impact of these ideas.
Systems Change
Our work extends beyond individual projects to shape broader systems of design and development. Through strategic storytelling, policy engagement, and knowledge-sharing, we aim to influence entire movements rather than isolated outcomes. By training designers to apply what we have learned, we ensure that our insights translate into widespread practice and lasting change.
Our completed projects are proof of what is possible.
From creating dignified healthcare spaces in Rwanda to memorials that inspire collective action in the United States, we have shown that design can improve people’s lives.
→ Donate to support our mission
