Partner with DFA

Collaborate for Lasting Impact

The world needs more – and more daring – innovators.

DFA equips emerging professionals with the skills and competencies they need to address community and global challenges. They bring fresh perspectives and new solutions to community challenges in healthcare, climate, education, justice, and more.

Our reciprocal partnerships with individuals, non-profits, corporations, and other organizations drive local and global social change.

Moving the Needle on Impact

Mission-aligned partnerships mobilize students and community partners to tackle local and systemic social challenges.

  • Unilever & DFA: Building a Global Community

    Unilever and DFA mobilized 100+ innovators across 11 time zones to explore the science and messaging of skincare. How can we build an authentic skincare movement that centers science, self-esteem, and healthy practices so everyone can love the skin they're in? Project outcomes included diagnostic wellness apps, a peer mentoring platform, and a reality TV series.

  • YMCA & DFA: Launching Youth Changemakers

    Through a multi-year partnership, YMCA of the USA and DFA have given hundreds of young people the real-world skills they need to be daring changemakers now and in the future. Youth-inspired projects have included creative approaches to the national lifeguard shortage, STEM engagement, and new ways for young people to lead community change.

Build a Relationship with the DFA Community

Partner With Us

DFA is a global, multi-disciplinary network of 1000+ courageous, collaborative problem-solvers. Partner with us to:

  • Work with the DFA National team and our expansive Network to address a question your team is trying to solve, resulting in real-world solutions ready to test and learn from

  • Learn how to identify issue’s root causes and potential solutions in a series of scoping sessions engaging community members with your networks.

    Bring a challenge you’re working on into our collective-problem solving community. Participate in a series of scoping sessions to identify an issue’s root causes and potential solutions.

  • Wherever you are, there’s a DFA studio there too! Create or support an event to engage the next generation of potential employees.

  • Let’s connect and co-create something new!

Reviews are in

  • “Artefact sponsors DFA because we recognize the contribution it makes to building a healthy design community and a vibrant conversation around opportunities to design a better future.”

    Brandon Kinports, DFA Alumni and Friends

  • “Kevin Washington, YMCA of the USA President and CEO, defined a changemaker as 'anyone who steps up and solves a problem for the good of all' ... It was then that I realized I wished to effect change in others’ lives through the collaborative working methods offered by the design process.”

    Junhee Chung, DFA UCSD Alumni

  • “DFA provides a comprehensive design thinking framework that enables student leaders to create holistic solutions for social impact.”

    Riya Kabra, YMCA Changemaker Alumni and Intern Program Manager

  • "Being able to network with YMCA leaders, BofA executives, congressmen, and other student leaders across the country has truly shaped my views on pressing issues- hearing diverse voices will continue to impact much of my work in the future, and I am thankful to the bank, YMCA, and DFA for facilitating this experience."

    Kavya Sriram, YMCA x DFA Intern

  • "YMCA of the USA is grateful to be working with DFA as we think about our Bold, Shared Vision for YMCAs across the country. The key insights and learnings from our work are a part of our investment of time, people and resources into our teen leading practice strategy that helps to equip local Ys as they strengthen their communities."

    Heidi Brasher, Senior Director, Strategy and Innovation for YMCA of the USA