Strengthening Illinois' Nonprofit Sector

The Mission

Helping Others Provide Excellence (HOPE) is a 501c3 nonprofit support organization that was founded in 2003 to help build capacity at community and faith-based organizations that are a vital part of the fabric of life in Illinois communities. These organizations provide youth services, cooked meals, services for the homeless, local development and cultural celebration, as well as many other services. As our social safety net frays, these groups make a critical difference in the quality of life for neighborhood residents.

Yet today, Illinois’ nonprofits face a period of genuine uncertainty. The lingering recession, resulting revenue declines, and precarious economic outlook present unprecedented financial, strategic, and governance challenges for nonprofits. Throughout the state, nonprofits are doing heroic work to continue their programs and services as demand increases and cash flow tightens.

HOPE’s mission is to help nonprofits grow their organizations in size, strength, and community impact. We offer “vision with action” through our suite of services designed to fit the unique needs of nonprofit organizations, including training, coaching, technical assistance, and advising, specifically geared toward starting, supporting or strengthening social enterprises.

Get Involved

Put your talents and energy to work for HOPE and Illinois area nonprofits. We call it "engaged" because our volunteer opportunities will put you at the center of innovative projects working with like-minded individuals and will be a volunteer project like none other you have experienced. Learn more about each committee role by clicking the images below.

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Strategic Planning Committee

The Strategic Planning Committee is responsible for developing the goals and strategies of HOPE based on the organization’s mission and potential capabilities. The Committee will develop a five-year strategic plan recommendation, covering 2013-2017, and present it to the Board of Directors for approval. The planning committee will meet monthly throughout the rest of 2012.  In addition, the committee will be responsible for planning a series of programs to help nonprofits build the skills and resources necessary to improve and advance their missions. These programs are targeted to smaller nonprofit organizations that do not have staff positions devoted to evaluation, marketing, fundraising, and development. Ready to apply…contact us

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Fund Raising Committee

The Fund Raising Committee is responsible for creating and implementing the organization Resource Development Plan, which includes planning fundraising events, cultivating donors, writing grants on behalf of HOPE, and initiating other fundraising strategies. We are currently looking for members who have fundraising experience or who are interested in helping and learning more.   This committee anticipates meeting monthly or as needed. Ready to apply…contact us

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Community Outreach

The Community Outreach Committee serves to provide members with opportunities to connect with the community through volunteerism.  If you want to develop your leadership skills from planning and organizing community service projects, please join us. Your ideas in making community service events fun and purposeful are welcome. Community Outreach also encompasses all aspects of outreaching, developing relationships, and maintaining relationships with various community organizations. If you enjoy being involved with the community, join our team today! Ready to apply…contact us

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Special Events Committee

Plan and coordinate special events including a charity golf tournament and an annual awards gala. The committee’s purpose is to provide networking opportunities and exposure to members and prospective members to expand their professional and social networks. Ready to apply…contact us

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Marketing/Creative Design

The Marketing/Creative Design Committee raises the exposure and awareness of HOPE within the community through print, email, newsletters, website, etc. Some of the goals of this committee include: maintaining HOPE’s image, recruiting new members, help promote HOPE through the popular social media channels, like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube and promoting HOPE events. The committee is also responsible for supporting the communications between HOPE’s officers, committee chairs, members, corporate sponsors, partner organizations, and the media. Ready to apply…contact us

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Corporate Relations Committee

Serves to develop long-term relationships with current and prospective corporate sponsors via business networking. Members will build on a key component of leadership, the art of selling. The committee seeks to develop corporate partnerships as sources of financial support, business contacts, and career opportunities. Ready to apply…contact us

  • Strategic Planning Committee

    Strategic Planning Committee

  • Fund Raising Committee

    Fund Raising Committee

  • Community Outreach

    Community Outreach

  • Special Events Committee

    Special Events Committee

  • Marketing/Creative Design

    Marketing/Creative Design

  • Corporate Relations Committee

    Corporate Relations Committee

Meet the Team

Terrance Harrington is HOPE’s founder & Executive Director.
HOPE was born out of his desire to help the nonprofit business sector continue to grow and thrive. His experiences as a nonprofit executive, Board member, volunteer, and now consultant gives him a unique perspective into the management challenges of nonprofit organizations and how to creatively find solutions.

Terrance brings a broad-based depth of knowledge to HOPE that he attained through his 25 years of operational and leadership experience within the military, public and private sectors. Harrington grew up in a small business household and has been a small business owner. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a B.S. in Business Management with a focus in Entrepreneurship. Terrance focuses on working with emerging African American leaders, with a special interest in social change ventures.

Board of Directors

Kenneth Thornton

Theresa Farmby

Ife Harrington

Advisors, Friends, and Cheerleaders

Patricia Toney

Christine Vernon

Raymond Boyd

Willie Dover

Makeda Smith

 

The Latest

> March 23, 2012: HOPE seeking volunteers to serve on a planning committee to help design an innovative and effective capacity-building initiative for nonprofit organizations and their leaders. Read more here.

> February 20, 2012: HOPE conducting a time limited feasibility study as to the needs of Illinois nonprofits.

> February 2, 2012: HOPE Co-host “Ask The Expert Webinar” in partnership with consultant Valerie F. Leonard. Read the full story here.

> January 4, 2012: HOPE year  begins in Chicago with lots of great new projects planned!

This is an informational meeting to allow potential volunteers to find out about HOPE and what the organization has to offer. It also gives HOPE staff a chance to explain expectations of volunteers. The more informed people are before joining an organization, the greater their involvement.

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