campusCATALYST is a fantastic organization. By exposing students at Chicago's top universities to the trends and challenges of the social sector, campusCATALYST inspires young talent to commit to community service. In the long run, this will help to address the nonprofit leadership gap already plaguing the sector. In the short run, campusCATALYST advances Obama's national call to service and serves as a connector for schools, students, nonprofits, foundations, businesses, and industry experts. In an increasingly fragmented society, this connection and commitment is exactly what the sector needs.
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Nonprofit Overview
Causes: Crime & Law, Leadership Development, Legal Services, Nonprofit Management, Philanthropy, Voluntarism Promotion
Mission: cC catalyzes nonprofits, communities and the next generation of leaders by engaging college and business school students in high-impact, pro-bono consulting projects with nonprofits.
Results: campusCATALYST officially launched in September 2007 with a small non-academic pilot program of 18 students at Northwestern University, 1 full-time staff person and $500 in the bank. Since then, the program has grown to a 2-campus program that has empowered over 250 college students, 55 MBA mentors, and 50 local nonprofits. Key organization milestones include: • Contributed over $500,000 in pro-bono service to the Evanston and Chicago communities through over 27,000 hours of consulting services • Strengthened 50 nonprofits in Evanston and Chicago communities • Hosted over 45 guest speakers through classroom speaker series for students • Secured academic credit at Northwestern University in winter 2008 and academic credit at the University of Chicago in spring 2009 • Partnered with Kellogg School of Management and the Booth School of Business for pro-bono MBA support, generating nearly $50,000 in-kind support • Cultivated broadly diversified funding portfolio: 46% foundation, 27% university, 16% individual giving, and 8% corporate • Secured foundation recognition through grants from the McCormick Tribune Foundation, the Irvin Stern Foundation, and Art Winter’s family foundation • Secured a permanent place on Global Giving and won a Razoo Speed Grant • Hosted first annual “Green Tie Gala” in fall 2008
Target demographics: Innovative and passionate college and business school students and high-impact, community-based nonprofit organizations in the Chicago area.
Direct beneficiaries per year: Over 200 undergraduates, 40 MBA students, and 40 nonprofits
Geographic areas served: Greater Chicagoland area