Cornell Consulting provides evaluation, program development, project management, coalition building, systems change, and resource development services for nonprofits, foundations, and government departments. Services are customized to meet the unique needs of each client organization, using a collaborative approach with key staff and constituents to solve problems and build on the successes of existing programs.

Conducted grant prospect research, program development, course evaluations, and wrote proposals for this young nonprofit providing high caliber photography education, mentorships, internships, and income from the sales of artwork created by under-resourced Chicago students.

Wrote grant proposals and prepared reports for this nonprofit organization that provides Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) assistance and oral health care for low-income children through its Pediatric Dental Clinic in Kane County, IL.

Coordinated special projects for the corporate foundation of one of Chicago’s foremost newspapers, the Chicago Sun-Times. Matched over 12,000 low-income children with individual and corporate sponsors each year through the Letters to Santa and Chicago Reads programs. Raised $40,000+ annually in cash donations and over $300,000 from in-kind donations. Coordinated publicity for the programs with staff writers and columnists, marketing and editorial departments.

Provided technical assistance for CCDPH’s Suburban Cook County Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Health Care Coalition to increase hospitals’ capacity to assess and respond effectively to DV issues with patients. Developed an on-line toolkit to be piloted by hospitals in 2012; conducted a literature review of best and promising DV practices in the health care setting; analyzed a hospital survey to assess existing DV policies and practices; developed partnerships between local DV agencies, hospitals and law enforcement entities; coordinated CME training on IPV and the toolkit for physicians, nurses, and social workers; wrote successful grant proposals.

Interviewed Chicago Public School personnel, observed classes, and analyzed classroom data as part of a five-year evaluation of Striving Readers, a national demonstration project. The goal of Striving Readers is to drive long-term, systemic adolescent literacy improvement by creating a research-based model of prevention and intervention. Contracted by the consulting firm, Metis Associates of New York for this project.

Planned and managed a project designed to strengthen the financial sustainability and organizational capacity of health-focused coalitions in the Chicago area. Conducted an environmental scan of health collaboration activities and trends and diagnosed agency and coalition needs through on-line, phone and in-person surveys and questionnaires. Organized capacity-building forums for health coalition members. Presented health coalition data findings at forums. Wrote successful grants to support other programs at the Institute and managed capacity-building grants for health coalitions. Developed content and designed e-newsletters.

Evaluated CORE’s HIV Initiative to Train and Educate Communities on HIV/AIDS (HI TECH), a technical assistance and capacity development demonstration grant program for HIV/AIDS-related services in minority communities funded by the U.S. Office of Minority Health.

Conducted an outcomes evaluation of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s (AFC) Supportive Housing Programs (SHP), a collaboration of 10 nonprofits serving people who were HIV+ and homeless. Completed a process evaluation of AFC’s Safe Start program, a housing and intensive case management program for people with AIDS who have co-occurring substance abuse issues. Conducted a process evaluation of the Renaissance Care Network, a three-agency collaboration of housing providers on Chicago’s south side administered by AFC.

Assisted in the planning and development of Chicago Housing for Health Partnership, a “hospital-to-housing” effort that identifies chronically ill homeless individuals at hospitals, moves them to permanent supportive housing, and provides them with intensive case management services so that they can maintain their health and secure long-term housing stability.

Assisted in the development of St. Leonard’s Michael Barlow Employment Center, a vocational training program for formerly incarcerated men and women.

Established agency best practices for the homeless service field in collaboration with nonprofits, the Chicago and Illinois Department of Human Services, and local grant-makers. Managed the creation and implementation of a statewide case management training certificate program based on these best practices and training needs assessments. Served as a proposal reviewer for the Chicago Continuum of Care charged with rating and ranking grant applications submitted to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Managed agency’s housing program including a 40-bed family shelter, a transitional housing program, and emergency funds (rent, mortgage, and utilities). Wrote successful proposals that tripled the program’s budget, including the agency’s first HUD grant. Coordinated the rehab of a three-story residential facility and started-up and managed a 24-hour shelter. Supervised and trained a department of 10 employees.