Alliance connects members to experts and resources
As the programs and services of the Alliance for Children and Families have evolved over time to address the changing needs of members, there are two programs that have proven track records of saving members time and money. The Executive Consultant Select Group (ECSG) and Value Partners programs have consistently helped members achieve their efficiency goals.
As president and CEO of the Alliance, I counsel member CEOs on important issues their organizations are toiling with and understandably worried about. Utilizing connections with peer CEOs, Severson Center materials, and our own humble advice, Alliance staff and I have been able to provide a distinct measure of assistance.
But, when discussing with these member agencies whether they should hire an outside consultant to provide further expertise, almost inevitably the following question comes up: “How do I find the right person without wasting time and money; I can’t afford to make a mistake.”
Today, my answer is, “Let the Alliance do the search for you.” ECSG has carefully selected a varied group of people and organizations we are pleased to recommend. We’ve done the legwork to find and vet these experts for you, and we have also negotiated discount pricing so that the fees are favorable for our members.
To date, there are 25 individuals and organizations approved to be part of the ECSG program. They offer expertise in everything from executive searches, communications, branding, and fund development, to accreditation. There are also experts in team building, diversity training, and strategic planning.
When a member contacts the Alliance seeking a referral, ECSG staff consider the details of each member’s needs and then make the appropriate connection.
Throughout a project, the Alliance team maintains contact with both parties to ensure the project is proceeding as desired, everyone is satisfied and fully served, any issues that may arise are identified, and the project is kept on track. Of the matches made between Alliance members and ECSG consultants thus far, there has not been a single negative experience.
The power of the Alliance’s national network of more than 360 members helps to realize cost savings through another program called Value Partners. The Alliance has secured partnerships with several vendors who were willing to offer preferred rates for Alliance members because of the collective power of the Alliance’s peer network. We extensively researched these partners to ensure they provide a high level of value-added services and products, as well as superior quality and cost-effectiveness.
These are established companies that cover a wide range of services and products. These are specialized brokers in all nonprofit liability insurances. They provide analysis of Medicaid billing and all claims, as well as full back-office billing services at flat fees. One partner is a member-owned, grantor trust’s mission that helps nonprofit organizations reduce unemployment costs. Another is a food and supply purchasing program that works exclusively with nonprofits. Other Value Partners include organizations providing retirement products and insurance coverage, and benefits, payroll, and human resource services.
Unfortunately, the everyday components that are part of the cost of doing business for a high performing nonprofit organization do not go away during a recession. But neither does the support the Alliance provides to help you achieve greater efficiency and cost savings.
Visit the ECSG website and Value Partners' webpage to learn more about these membership benefits. Or, contact the staff members identified below. Also remember that the entire Alliance staff, and I, continue to be ready to assist you with your questions and issues; and we look forward to hearing from you.
More information about the Executive Consultant Select Group is available by contacting Undraye Howard, director of leadership and consultation services, at 414-359-6554. For information about Value Partners, contact Jonathan Green, program manager, at 414-359-6548.
Peter Goldberg is president and CEO of the Alliance and its parent holding company, Families International. In his capacity as president and CEO of Families International, he oversees a thriving group of affiliated organizations, including the Alliance, United Neighborhood Centers of America, FEI Behavioral Health, and Ways to Work. He has been selected by The NonProfit Times as one of the 50 most influential people in the nonprofit sector seven times since 1998.
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