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Clapping Audience

Advancing the Greater Good

 
OUR RESULTS

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Multiplying Growth Opportunities with Across-the-Board Support

The Client

Chicago Youth Programs (CYP) is an organization focused on improving the health and life opportunities of at-risk youth. (Chicago, Illinois)

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The Impact

AltruNext has partnered with CYP to submit over 100 funding proposals. Together, we've raised more than $3.5M, with additional proposals pending. As a result, CYP has been well-positioned to weather the changes brought on by COVID and shifting institutional giving priorities. They’ve increased their government funding (city and state), which has created transformational opportunities in meeting the needs of Chicago’s youth. Our continued partnership in the strategic planning process will prepare CYP for its next chapter.

The Challenge

CYP is an industrious organization, largely relying on over 600 volunteers each year to deliver programming to Black youth in some of Chicago’s most under-resourced neighborhoods. While incredibly successful in receiving grant funding, their small staff simply does not have the capacity to write numerous, high-quality grants throughout the year. In addition, CYP staff see the needs of these neighborhoods and youth changing rapidly and want to respond by refining programs and services. Yet, to conduct that type of strategic planning, CYP needed an outside partner to guide the process.

The Collaboration Process

  • AltruNext began its collaboration with CYP by conducting a thorough review of all historic grant funding, program outcomes, and existing systems.

  • Then, we created a Funding Matrix of all qualified prospects which informed a final Grant Calendar to direct activities.

  • Along the way, we’ve coached CYP Board and staff members on industry best practices so they could increase their impact.

  • After nearly four years of serving as an extension of their in-house team, our relationship has continued to grow. Recently, CYP asked AltruNext to lead a full strategic planning process, including assessment of and recommendations about Board governance, fund development opportunities, and the program/service delivery model. To date, this has included stakeholder surveys, focus groups, and interviews; facilitation of Board meetings; and audit of program outcomes.

Key Project Elements

  • Proposal Writing

  • Prospect Research

  • Staff and  Board Coaching

  • Strategic Planning

"AltruNext approaches their partnership with Chicago Youth Programs with unmitigated professionalism and conscientiousness. They do not work on the periphery of our organization but instead take the time and care to deeply understand our values and vision. The breadth of expertise that we are able to mobilize as a result of our partnership isn't something that we would otherwise be able to afford and has paid dividends for us."

Cinaiya Stubbs / Executive Director / Chicago Youth Programs

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