Current Projects

APNA GHAR provides holistic services and conducts outreach and advocacy across immigrant communities to end gender violence. It provides a wide variety of services and resources to help survivors achieve safety, stability and self-sufficiency.
 
Project Type: Program Evaluation
 
Project Request: This project will focus on three main areas of activity: Direct Services, Community Outreach, Advocacy. Apna Ghar completed a 5-year strategic plan in 2019 and has asked BANC’s help to ensure that: 1) Current programs are consistent with the plan in addressing client needs, and 2) The right resources are allocated to those programs to sustain the growth plan. In addition, BANC will provide a SWOT analysis to identify potential gaps and/or new opportunities and review & recommend success measures.
 
Skills/Background (across the team): marketing / branding, financial analysis / financial management, budgeting

CJE strives to enhance the quality of life and facilitate independence of older adults by providing a wide array of healthcare services, wellness education, home and community-based resources, benefits advocacy, and applied research. CJE also has extensive experience in the development and facilitation of dementia-friendly programming.
 
Project Type: Marketing Strategy & Product Pricing 
 
Project Request: CJE recently developed Dementia Reality™ (DR), the first dementia instruction program combining skills training with real-life obstacles in a virtual environment. Using Virtual Reality (VR) technology, DR is designed to improve the quality of care, reduce claims and losses due to personnel failures, and improve staff satisfaction. CJE has asked BANC to help develop a market introduction strategy for this new program. The project will involve market analysis and competitive assessment, development of a value proposition, development of pricing, communications, and messaging strategies, and a recommendation for evaluating results.
 
Skills/Background (across the team): marketing / branding, marketing research / analytics, social media, product pricing

Distinctive Schools creates diverse, joyful, welcoming communities rooted in social justice and rigorous learning. It is dedicated to supporting and accelerating the work of charter schools serving kids from traditionally underserved backgrounds.
 
Project Type: Key Performance Indicators
 
Project Request: Distinctive Schools is seeking support and guidance to streamline annual leadership goals and identify key performance indicators and metrics to monitor progress toward the 5-year objectives in its strategic plan. Distinctive Schools prioritizes five pillars that promote equity, excellence, and culture at the forefront of the organization. The KPIs need to be able to objectively identify if a pillar is on/off course and inform next steps.
 
Skills/Background (across the team): business strategic planning, analytics / data dashboards

DuPage Health Coalition develops and sustains a system for effectively and efficiently managing the health of low-income populations across the continuum of care in DuPage County.
 
Project Type: Update Strategic Plan
 
Project Request: Emerging from the COVID pandemic period, which spurred development of new initiatives, DHC leadership is seeking to address the challenge of effectively integrating DHC’s historic and foundational programs and its newer offerings into a cohesive and updated strategic plan, one that supports continued growth and evolution. The plan should help guide future program development, resource allocation, and strategic partnerships. In addition to an updated strategic plan, deliverables include an assessment of current program effectiveness and recommendations for enhancing overall program alignment with DHC’s mission.
 
Skills/Background (across the team): business strategic planning, market research, marketing / branding

Intonation Music works with the youth of Chicago to experience making music on their own terms, leading topersonal growth and the enrichment of their communities. Offered in partnership with schools, park districts,and community organizations, year-round classes make music accessible to youth by providing them withinstruments, instruction,
mentorship, and the chance to perform on stages across the city.
 
Project Type: Update Strategic Plan
 
Project Request: Intonation has outgrown its current space and is obtaining its own operational space to have greater agency than its current position as a Chicago Parks District Arts Partner in Residence can provide. Intonation leadership knows this new phase will have a huge impact on the organization and has asked for BANC’s recommendations in assessing future opportunities and goals associated with its new operational space. BANC will create a business plan for the new facility, including a SWOT analysis, competitive assessment, identification of growth opportunities related to the facility, and financial implications.
 
Skills/Background (across the team): business strategic planning, nonprofit management, marketresearch, marketing / branding, financial analysis

Neighborhood Food Pantries improves the health and well-being of its neighbors through reliable access to nutritious food in welcoming environments through the generosity of volunteers, individuals, and community partnerships.
 
Project Type: Operations Evaluation
 
Project Request: NFP’s pantries are located in churches and church-owned facilities, where space is limited. Keeping sufficient inventory on hand to meet daily demand is challenging. Inflation and the end of pandemic-related government stimulus programs has the made the situation even more difficult. NFP’s leadership is questioning whether its current operation model is the best way to serve clients and would like BANC to assess its current position, evaluate strategic growth options, and propose implementation processes and next steps. Final deliverable will address capacity issues (resources and challenges), location options (pros and cons), and viability of partnership options.
 
Skills/Background (across the team): operations, logistics / warehouse management, financial analysis, strategic planning / marketing