Helping to Shape the Future of the Cabrini Mission Foundation

A team of consultants from Booz Allen Hamilton recently completed a pro bono organizational effectiveness assessment of the Cabrini Mission Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on providing healthcare, education, and social services to immigrants, women, children, and the elderly around the world. The goal of the pro bono project was to identify the strengths and weakness of the six-year-old, New York-based organization and determine how to ensure its future growth and sustainability.

The firm's relationship with the non-profit organization began in 2004, when it honored Booz Allen Senior Vice President Reggie Van Lee with a Spirit of Cabrini Award. The award is given annually to individuals who demonstrate a commitment to corporate philanthropy, employee volunteerism, and community service. "All of us have some passion in life beyond just the pure business context," said Van Lee. "I've found that given who we are and the skills that we have, Booz Allen can broaden its impact even more if we step up to a leadership position."

In keeping with the spirit of the Cabrini Award and the firm's commitment to community outreach, Booz Allen decided to embark on the first phase of this pro bono assignment. Booz Allen Senior Associate Nicole Hamilton and Associate Leyla Serafino conducted a stakeholder analysis and organizational assessment to determine the Foundation's greatest strengths as well as areas that required the most attention. Based on this high-level analysis, Booz Allen recommended that the Foundation develop a mission and vision statement; draft a communication and marketing plan; develop and formalize its roles, responsibilities, and processes; and diversify its revenue streams.

"The Foundation has been a very successful organization and has been able to fund raise effectively," said Booz Allen's Serafino. "But it is now at a point where its needs to mature and move on to the next stage of growth." Booz Allen will continue to work with the Foundation to help it achieve its strategic planning goals. Phase two of this pro bono project will include, among other things, helping the Foundation to craft a mission statement, strategic plan, and communications strategy.

story posted April 12, 2005