Technical Assistance for the Jewish Community
Collaborative provides valuable resources during times of crisis
Like many nonprofits in Chicago, organizations providing services to the Orthodox community were overwhelmed and unprepared to deal with the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Navigating what has been an unpredictable crisis has stretched many organizations to the limit. In addition to financial support, many needed guidance for planning, executive coaching, and technology.
In response to the challenge, the Technical Assistance Collaborative (TAC) was born. Delivered by Boardified, an organization that works with nonprofit professionals and board members to strengthen leadership skills in the Jewish community, TAC surveyed nonprofits to assess needs and then quickly worked to identify solutions, including technical support and advice on a variety of issues such as capacity building, employment law, health and safety, and technology skills. As an example, a series of webinars developed by TAC provided guidance for organizations that had to remain open during the quarantine, advising on how to pivot their programming and obtain valuable supplies such as PPE to keep their clients healthy and safe.
TAC, funded by local Jewish funders and the Jewish United Fund (JUF), provides many of its services at no cost. Nearly 130 Jewish agencies and synagogues have benefited from TAC’s support. “The impact of the pandemic cannot be understated for the nonprofit organizations that serve our community,” said Boardified's founder, Alicia Oberman. “The sheer dedication of these organizations continues to inspire TAC’s work. They have been tirelessly serving our community members while also focusing on developing the skills and tools they need for the future. Chicago’s Jewish community will emerge from this crisis more connected and resilient than ever.”
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Boardified works to empower Jewish board members, professionals, and organizations through tools and programs that strengthen their leadership skills and partnership. They provide services such as board health assessments, board matching and placement, maximization of professional/volunteer partnerships, and coaching. Their signature program, the Board Member Institute, is a hands-on comprehensive board development program taught and administered by Northwestern University’s Kellogg faculty and practitioners from the Jewish sector. Walder Foundation has assisted in bringing Boardified services to the Orthodox community by sponsoring leadership development at the Board Member Institute.
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