In 2012 the Improve Group is changing its Pro Bono Initiative from a once a year application process to a year long rolling application. This opportunity is open to U.S. 501 c(3) organizations, or international organizations with a similar non-profit status. 2012 applications will be available starting January 16th.

We are taking applications from nonprofits that make a difference in specific target areas and who could increase their impact with additional support. Applications need to be in one of the following focus areas:

• Criminal Justice: prisoner education, offender re-entry, system disparities, etc.
• Health: obesity, chemical dependency, reproductive health, etc.
• Technology: service delivery through technology, classroom use, etc.
• Arts: arts education, audience development, social justice/outreach, etc.
• Economic Development: job creation, workforce development, community improvement efforts, etc.
• Youth Development: early childhood, education, workforce readiness, college readiness, etc.
• Social Justice: GLBT, domestic / community violence, women's rights, under-served / anti-discrimination

You can download the current application here.

Applications may be returned by email to info@theimprovegroup.com or faxed to 651.927.8085. Please send any inquiries to info@theimprovegroup.com.

We are very pleased with the exciting projects we have worked on these past two years and with the great collaborative connections we've made. Progress on our yearly pro bono recipients is documented on our IG Blog and Newsletter.

Previous Recipients

2011 Pro Bono Clients

In 2011, the Improve Group staff selected four organizations from an excellent pool of applicants:

• KaBOOM!, Washington, DC - a National nonprofit bringing safe and healthy play to children.
• The Line Campaign, Brooklyn, NY - empowering dialogue about sexual boundaries and healthy. relationships
• Habitat for Humanity - Asia Pacific, Seoul, South Korea - developing communities with people in need by building and renovating houses so they can live and grow.
• Cathedral Arts Project, Jacksonville, FL - enriching the quality of life in Northeast Florida through unleashing the creative spirit of young people.

2010 Pro Bono Clients

To celebrate the Improve Group’s Tenth Anniversary in 2010, we launched an exciting new pro bono initiative. It was well received and applicants requested help in all five of the IG focus areas. The most requested service was help with evaluation planning, such as creating logic models or designing data collection tools. Other applicants requested needs assessments, assistance with data analysis, dissemination of findings, conducting literature reviews, and strategic planning.

The Improve Group gave assistance to the following groups in 2010:

• COMPAS, Saint Paul, MN - a statewide, non-profit arts organization that sparks students’ imaginations, brings creativity into the lives of older adults, and inspires people to create
• The Confederation of Somali Community in MN, Minneapolis, MN - strengthening the capacity of Somalis in Minnesota to become contributing members of society, while preserving their culture
• Genesis II for Families, Minneapolis, MN - promoting social change by strengthening families and the community through programs that encourage self-determination, self-sufficiency, and healthy family lifestyles
• Global Potential of Globalhood, Inc., New York City, NY - empowering youth and communities to energize each other through education, international service work and cultural exchange
• The San Francisco Opera, San Francisco California - the second largest opera company in North America bringing opera to new audiences

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Employee Giving Match Program

Our employees have asked us to consider a greater role for them in our corporate giving programs. After internal discussions, they made clear that they want to make a difference in the community and asked the Improve Group to increase their impact. The Improve Group will now make a 1:1 match of employee donations to their favorite non-profits. Staff donations of up to $500 per employee will be matched.

The employee donation match program replaced our previous corporate giving program. Our staff are also encouraged to serve on boards and in a volunteer capacity where they can share their expertise with others.

The Improve Group occasionally provides gift-in-kind opportunities such as computers, phones or office equipment. When items are available we will post notices on our website, blog and Facebook page.

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Corporate Giving

The Improve Group has a long history of giving back to the community. Over the years, we have supported many organizations. We have made donations to honor special events, such as our 10-year anniversary, to match employee giving, and through grants. We have supported the following organizations through these efforts:

Aliveness Project Inc. Alzheimer’s Assoc. American Lung Association American Red Cross ARC Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis Carleton College Confederation of Somali Community in MN Cornerstone Cornerstone Advocacy Service Disabled American Veterans Emergency Food Network EXPO Elementary Council HealthPartners Research Foundation LCMS World Relief and Human Care Lutheran Heritage Foundation

Minnesota Aids Project Minnesota Evaluation Association MN CASA National Wildlife Federation New Foundations (vendor) New Foundations (vendor) Oxfam America Planned Parenthood of MN Second Harvest Sheltering Grace Suburban Ramsey Family Collaborative The Bridge For Youth Twin Cities Public Television Union Gospel Mission West Seventh Community Center

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