When the National Child Labor Committee (NCLC) first hired JS&R Group to oversee its administrative, programmatic and development operations in 2002 the organization was deeply in debt and its Board of Directors was considering dissolution.  Now, just four years later, under JS&R’s leadership, NCLC has made an almost complete turnaround.   The organization is in the black, its programs are expanding and  primed for additional growth, its fundraising is stronger than at any time in the past half century and its Board officers are planning a major strategic retreat, to be run by JS&R to discuss the organization’s next twenty years: a concept that wouldn’t have even been on the table just forty-eight months ago.  We are proud of these accomplishments and we look forward to our role in helping this important organization that has promoted the rights, dignity and well-being of children and youth in work, working and education for more than one hundred years.

Chess in the Schools is a unique non-profit that promotes the playing of chess in inner city high schools as a proven tool for improving student achievement.  But their fundraising and organizational operations needed an overhaul if they were to be able to improve recognition, expand programs and meet the commensurate administrative needs.  JS&R was called upon in these areas and over a six month period helped provide the organization with a fresh outlook and a solid future.  We developed new operating procedures for identifying and researching potential funders across the spectrum of giving.  We coached staff members individually and as a team to help improve specific development skills, tools and teamwork.  We created templates for proposals, letters and concept papers and revised existing written materials and website content.  We also created an action plan for accomplishing the strategic needs and for improving relationships with board members.