New Service Helps Nonprofits in Tough Economy

Urgent Action Teams provide immediate response for vital service continuity

CHICAGO, Sept. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Executive Service Corps (ESC) of Chicago launches a new service to address nonprofit sector-wide stress affecting service to communities. The Urgent Action Team service provides high-impact and fast-response results to nonprofits facing challenges that threaten their core operations, primary mission or very existence, so that Chicago communities continue to receive vital services in health, education, mental health, homelessness, emergency assistance, etc. 

The stress on Illinois's nonprofits is evident in a recent study¹ revealing that 83% of surveyed Illinois nonprofits report an increase in service demands; including 85% in vital service areas of health, human services and education.  Simultaneously, nonprofits report instability with 57% having 3 months or less of cash reserves available, 76% with more than 30 days delay in payments from the State of Illinois for contracted services and 20% with reduced staff in the past year.   

ESC's Urgent Action Team includes specially trained consultants with diverse expertise in financial management, business planning, human resources, marketing and communications, governance and more.  They quickly assess and address key issues and ensure continuity of service while planning longer term solutions.

El Hogar del Nino, a human service nonprofit serving the predominantly Latino neighborhoods of Pilsen and Little Village, faced turnover on their staff and Board of Directors, a decline in program enrollment, decreased community and stakeholder engagement, and a need for financial expertise. In 2011, working with an ESC Urgent Action Team, El Hogar stabilized its operation and adopted a plan for addressing its challenges.  "ESC is such a deep resource. We never would have survived this transition without ESC's support," reported El Hogar's President, Cynthia Lau.

"Nonprofits facing multiple and interrelated challenges must get creative," said ESC Chair Michael P. Mulqueen, former Executive Director of the Greater Chicago Food Depository. "An expert outside perspective can be what's needed to find new solutions – that's what ESC provides with Urgent Action Teams."

¹ Nonprofit Finance Fund, "State of the Sector" study for 2012, nonprofitfinancefund.org/state-of-the-sector-surveys

About Executive Service Corps of Chicago

ESC is a nonprofit that has enhanced the overall impact of Chicago area nonprofits and public agencies since 1978, through professional, affordable consulting services enabling them to better meet the needs of those they serve.  ESC deploys 300 experienced executives who serve as volunteer consultants.  More than 175 nonprofits each year gain in-depth analysis, knowledge and a partnership with ESC to create lasting solutions and sustainable change at rates that fit nonprofit budgets.

Contact: Jo Posselt
Tel: 312.870.5803
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Executive Service Corps of Chicago