The Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management at Robert Morris University has launched the “Ready to Compete” project, which offers nonprofit organizations the opportunity for intensive consulting to improve their financial or human resource capabilities. 

The first cohort of the new program includes 11 nonprofit organizations. Each will work over the next four months with trained consultants to address the most challenging issue the organizations face in financial management and human resources. At the end of the four-month period, participants will meet as a group to share what they have learned. 

Normally, the cost of such consulting for each organization would be approximately $6,500, but under this program participants will pay only $500. A second cohort will include up to 14 nonprofits, and applications for the second round are being accepted now.

“The outcome of this investment will be 25 organizations that are more capable, more stable, and better equipped to deliver high-quality services. This program will help to ensure that these agencies are indeed ‘ready to compete,’” said Peggy Outon, executive director of the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management and assistant vice president for community engagement and leadership development at Robert Morris.

Topics that the nonprofits and their consultants are likely to tackle include building a cost-centered budget, cash flow management, development performance management systems, and executive succession planning.

The 11 organizations in the first cohort of “Ready to Compete” are:

• Bible Center Church
• Fayette County Cultural Trust
• Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
• The Pittsburgh Project
• Urban Redevelopment Authority
• Easter Seals Western and Central Pennsylvania
• Community Library of Allegheny Valley
• Elizabeth Seton Center
• Brothers and Sisters Emerging
• George Junior Republic and Affiliates
• The Children’s Institute