Sponsor Project Guidelines

Introduction for Non-Profit Arts and Culture Organizations

JumpStartNYC proved in its first pilot session in Spring 2009 that financial services professionals, operating as consultants in entrepreneurial firms, can offer great value to their host organizations, while at the same time experiencing a satisfying learning experience that can help in the path of career transition. The success of JumpStart encouraged the NYC Economic Development Corporation to expand the program to include non-profit arts and culture organizations, as well as entrepreneurial firms. Feedback from that session helped modify our guidelines for formulating projects that can be of greatest mutual value. As you define your projects, please consider that JumpStartNYC participants are seasoned financial service professionals in transition—the last group averaged15 years of experience.

In addition to the regular JumpStartNYC boot camp curriculum, which includes a focus on project orientation, those participants who opt to be placed with arts and culture non-profits will learn about non-profit finance, governance, and current climate.

Guidelines

JumpStartNYC participants will spend 8-10 weeks developing and executing a project for your organization. Their skill sets vary across the spectrum of financial services organizations – financial analysis, management, account management, investment banking, as well as marketing, research, and operations. The idea is to help your company to tackle an important project while helping the participant apply their skills in a new context, learn new skills and expand their networks. Of course if your long-term needs and the participants' qualifications align we hope you will hire them!

Use this Project Application Form to describe your company and define one (or more) projects you would like to complete. We understand that plans can change even over the short run. We hope that you will work with your JumpStartNYC consultant to adapt to such change – as that is part of the learning experience. Also the final scope of work and the participant’s work routine will be determined mutually by the company and the participant at the beginning of the project. Each participant will also be part of an ongoing coaching group with JumpStart faculty to help them to integrate their experiences, and to provide mutual support.

Project Examples

Build from your current needs and specify deliverables as much as you can. Project examples might include:

Collaborative development of a modified business model and plan
Analytic project related to the organization’s operational practice
The completion of more sophisticated financial strategy and approach.
Whatever 2-month project you might need a consultant to undertake.

We are accepting project applications until December 1st; the educational program begins December 7th; and the projects will start on December 14th. We will do our best to work with you to meet your specific needs and desires as time allows.

Thanks for your interest. Questions? Check out the FAQ on the website, or contact:
Kathleen Kane Bardolf
Ph: 212-317-3593
jumpstartnyc@levininstitute.org