Fall 2010, Spring 2011 - Client Application
Social Venture Consulting
George Mason University
This form serves as the application for non-profit organizations seeking pro bono
consulting services from Social Venture Consulting. Please fill out the application as
fully as possible and return to Whitney Burton at wburton@masonlive.gmu.edu before
the deadline.
For fall consulting, please return this document by September 20th, 2010, and for
spring consulting, please return the document by November 30th, 2010.
Consulting Service Areas
This year, SVC is offering consulting services to aid small, local non-profits to develop
and grow to become strong and successful non-profit organizations. We specifically
focus on Organization and Strategy consulting for start-ups.
Organization
 Transformation Best Practices
 Strategic Communications
Strategy
 Strategy Maturity
 Process Management
Please check one or two service line below, and then on the following pages, be as
specific as possible in describing the project scope, objectives, challenges, and activities
involved, as well as the staff involved and any time frame parameters. This project will
be staffed with volunteers. The more specific you are about the project you need, the
more successful the project will be. Please try to narrow your request to a single project
that can be accomplished in the amount of time available.
Organization:
TRANSFORMATION BEST PRACTICES
SVC will research best practices in the prospective fields for the client to mirror and
develop into strong future strategies for programming. SVC, in collaboration with the
client, will identify the ‘need areas’ and consult other professionals in similar fields to
connect the client with resources as well as connections. SVC will also research other
best practices and present an analysis and recommendation for the client to strengthen
their programs in general.
If this is the area you would like to focus on, please discuss your needs below:
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STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
SVC will help the client identify areas of need within their internal and external
communications. We will research and suggest possible avenues to systematize and
develop communications with a strategic vision for the future growth and direction of the
non-profit. We can also help streamline and develop communication for internal and
external communication. Additionally, we will connect the organization with resources
and professionals in their prospective fields focused on developing communication plans.
If this is the area you would like to focus on, please discuss your needs below:
Strategy
STRATEGIC MATURITY
We can flesh out strategy plans to help the organization focus on the most pertinent and
vital for their long-term growth. We will consult the client to develop an analysis of the
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats for the client. We will direct and aid
the client to plan for the future to move to a successful and growing organization.
Additionally, we will connect the organization with resources and professionals in their
prospective fields focused on maturing the client’s strategic plans.
If this is the area you would like to focus on, please discuss your needs below:
24. PROCESS MANAGEMENT
SVC will analyze the processes in place and research more efficient and effective ways to
manage processes and programs. We will dissect current programming and analyze target
populations and areas where small changes could produce more efficient and effective
outcomes. Additionally, we will connect the organization with resources and
professionals in their prospective fields focused on process management.
If this is the area you would like to focus on, please discuss your needs below:
1. General Contact Information (full mailing address is required)
Organization:
Street Address:
City, State, Zip:
Phone:
Ward (if DC):
County:
Website:
Executive Director:
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ED Phone:
ED Email:
2. Person completing application
Name:
Title:
Phone:
Email:
3. Has your organization been a SVC client in the past?
4. How did you hear about SVC? (Please indicate the name of the organization or
individual from whom you heard about SVC.)
SVC Criteria
5. Please verify that your organization meets the following criteria required for all SVC
projects by indicating if you agree or disagree. (If you answer "No" to any of the
following questions, please contact SVC Director, Whitney Burton with more
information.)
1. Non-profit: IRS 501(c)3.
2. Mission: Focuses on communities in the Greater DC area.
3. Mission: Does not promote a religion, or specific religious or political beliefs.
4. Commitment: Applicant and leadership team are willing to take active role with
project leadership, as needed.
5. Commitment: Will share the final recommendations with relevant members of the
organization’s team.
6. Outcomes: Will complete SVC survey following the conclusion of project.
Non-Profit Information
The below information will allow our team to provide more applicable and effective
consulting services. Thank you for taking the time to fill out this section.
1. What is the mission of your organization?
2. Briefly describe the primary programs/services offered by your organization.
(Feel free to use bullet points.)
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3. Please quantify and describe the number of beneficiaries you serve or reach each
year.
4. Does your organization follow a written strategic plan? If so, when was it
developed and what time frame does it cover?
5. What are the major elements of your organization's strategy? (Feel free to use
bullet points.)
6. How many, if any, paid full-time staff do you employ?
7. How many board members do you currently have?
8. Please provide a) your current year's forecasted annual budget, and b) last year's
actual budget amount.
9. How long has your organization been in existence as a 501(c)3?
10. How does your organization measure impact and outcomes?
11. If your organization has used other management consultants in the past three
years, what services were provided?
Contact Person
Designated Staff Contact Information, if other than Executive Director:
Name:
Title:
Phone:
Email:
Next Steps
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Thank you very much for submitting a SVC client application. We are excited by your
interest in SVC.
The Client Selection Committee will contact the applicant for interviews in September,
and make final selections by end of September. Teams will be formed, trained and begin
work in earnest in mid-fall, with projects completed by December.
Please contact me with any questions. Thank you again for your interest in SVC!
Whitney Burton
Director
SVC
wburton@masonlive.gmu.edu
832-474-5438
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