Free Project-based Consulting for Nonprofits
About the Program
The Grassroots.org Social Venture Consulting Program pairs talented MBA students with Grassroots.org Member Organizations in semester-long project-based consulting partnerships. The program is designed to help entrepreneurial nonprofit startup organizations to increase their organizational capacity by providing them with direct access to free business consulting.
- Pairings last one school semester (three months)
- Applications are accepted in December (for spring program), and July (for fall programs)
- 8-10 nonprofits are selected each round
- Each nonprofit is paired with two or three students
- Pairings include biweekly meetings (phone or in-person, depending on nonprofit location) and 60-80 hours of consulting work (per project)
- Program is open to all registered US or Canadian nonprofits
Selection Criteria
MBA students from the top-ranked Smith School at UMD and Columbia University are selected for participation based on a variety of factors including professional experience and dedication to community service. For the first time in the Spring 2010, nonprofits in Massachusetts will also be eligible for to apply for a Board Fellow from Net Impact Boston. The Board Fellows program places Net Impact Boston members on nonprofit boards (as non-voting members) for one-year fellowships. Board Fellows are active participants on nonprofit boards, attending board sessions and getting involved with committees and relevant projects under the mentorship of a current board member.
Nonprofit participants are Grassroots.org members selected for the project's capacity-building potential and the organization's demonstrated need for external support.
Examples of past Social Venture Consulting Projects include:
- development of a strategic plan for an after school program
- creation a strategic marketing plan & refinement of financial statements for a clothing resale shop
- design of a financial management/donor tracking program for a human rights agency
Advantages for Students
- practical consulting experience
- the opportunity to give back
Advantages for Nonprofits:
- experienced business perspective
- a structured environment to complete a particular project
- 60-80 hours of in-kind consulting (valued at $150/hr)
How to Apply
The application period for the fall semester has ended and will reopen on December 1st! Membership is free to all U.S. 501c3 and Canadian registered charities. Not a Grassroots.org member? Sign up now.
Already a member? Complete the Online Application.
Have a question about Free Project-based Consulting? Contact Grassroots.org
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