The Village Network (TVN) is the only Ohio nonprofit chosen by the national membership organization the Alliance for Children and Families (ACF) to implement a pilot project meant to explore, test and gain understanding of the elevation of strategy within nonprofit human service agencies. The three-year grant of $231,000 is earmarked for hiring of a Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) according to James Miller, executive director at TVN.
"This grant enables TVN to not only improve our own services and ultimately reach many more vulnerable children and families," said Miller, "But it means we are part of an exciting program that is closely examining how nonprofit human service organizations can be even more effective throughout the country."
The grant is part of the ACFStrategy Countsprogram, according to Michael Mortell, director of the initiative. It is a multi-year pilot project closely examining the impact of elevating the role of strategy in nonprofit human service providers. The project's funding is from a $5.3 million grant from The Kresge Foundation.
"With nonprofits under pressure today from changing client needs and tighter resources, the tendency is for nonprofits to focus on the day-to-day demands while strategic decisions take a back seat," said Mortell. "The pilot sites are exploring how a strategic focus increases positive results for communities and clients."
TVN is one of nine nonprofits that will test the CSO concept according to Miller. The major functions of the new position include securing commitment to the existing TVN strategic plans and assessing and implementing ongoing strategic development. Community forums, one-on-one meeting and focus groups with clients and community partners will shape the direction of the plans according to Miller.
"By improving our strategic implementation we will have a greater impact on our clients and provide a working model for other nonprofits," said Miller
The Village Network has focused on shaping productive, responsible youth and building families for 65 years and is the recipient of the Alliance for Children & Families Agency of the Year in 2007. There are 13 locations across the state including Akron, Canton, Cleveland, Columbus, Delaware, Mansfield, Mount Vernon, Lorain, Newark, Uhrichsville, Sandusky, Wooster and most recently Youngstown.
