THE BLUE GARGOYLE

A Sword of Damocles is hanging over a lot of nonprofit organizations. Many were without adequate financial reserves before the recession hit. Now nearly one in six nonprofits that filed tax returns in 2000 seem to have gone out of business or fallen below the IRS reporting threshold ($25,000 in revenue). The Blue Gargoyle is among those without a pulse.

The Blue Gargoyle was an after school tutoring program closely tied to its University of Chicago volunteers in Hyde Park, Pres. Obama’s Chicago neighborhood. Many years ago, when my consulting partner and I were called in by a Blue Gargoyle Board member to help them out - fundraising was being done on an "as needed" basis. Our first task was to analyze their development program to involve Board members in a more meaningful way in leadership of the organization. Then we attacked the annual appeal and outlined a calendar of activities.

Since then, Blue Gargoyle’s mission broadened into adult literacy and they grew their program. However, our national economic crisis drew far more clients than this already financially challenged service organization could handle. On April 8th, Blue Gargoyle shut its doors.

America needs to concentrate on improving education, including those who want a second chance. This is a loss far beyond the South Side of Chicago. Don’t become a casualty. If you want to discuss your organization’s needs, call me for a free, confidential consultation.