Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club Transforms with Strategic Partnership

Executive Service Corps of Chicago helps nonprofit shift from tactical to strategic decision-making

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:52pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club (NBGC) in Chicago partnered with Executive Service Corps (ESC) of Chicago to undergo a strategic transformation. By shifting from reactive, tactical decisions to a more strategic approach, NBGC's leadership team is now fully aligned and action-oriented, leading to significant improvements across the organization's operations, programs, marketing, and fundraising.

Why it matters

The NBGC-ESC partnership demonstrates how a strategic mindset shift and the right consulting support can revitalize a long-standing nonprofit organization. As Chicago's neighborhoods continue to evolve, the NBGC's renewed focus on youth development, community engagement, and financial sustainability will help ensure it remains a vital resource for local families.

The details

Through the ESC engagement, NBGC developed a comprehensive three-year strategic plan with broad staff and board involvement. This included a SWOT analysis, goal-setting, and the establishment of Board-managed working groups to drive implementation across key areas like organization and staffing, programs, marketing, fundraising, and facilities. Two years into the plan, NBGC has achieved notable 'wins' such as conducting a salary analysis, updating job descriptions, forming program committees, developing a marketing calendar, exploring new revenue streams, and repurposing clubhouse space.

  • NBGC partnered with ESC in 2024 to begin the strategic planning process.
  • The three-year strategic plan was finalized and implementation began in early 2025.
  • As of 2026, NBGC has been executing on the strategic plan for two years, achieving significant operational and programmatic improvements.

The players

Jeff Sadowski

Executive Director of the Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club (NBGC) in Chicago.

Bob Hubberts

Engagement Manager at Executive Service Corps (ESC) of Chicago.

Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club (NBGC)

A nonprofit organization dedicated to youth development in Chicago, offering athletic fields, a clubhouse, after-school programming, and more. NBGC was founded in 1931.

Executive Service Corps (ESC) of Chicago

A nonprofit that provides affordable professional consulting services to Chicago-area nonprofit organizations. ESC was founded in 1978.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Partnering with Executive Service Corps (ESC) of Chicago was a game changer. We needed a true partner that understood our history and mission — and ESC delivered. We moved from reactive, tactical decisions to strategic ones, our Leadership Team is more empowered, and our mission is the strongest it's been in our 94-year history.”

— Jeff Sadowski, Executive Director, Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club

“The ESC consultants are all retired, successful C-Suite professionals. I learned something from each of them — it was transformational for me and for our organization. If you want to be data-driven, strategic, and results-oriented, we highly recommend ESC.”

— Jeff Sadowski, Executive Director, Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club

What’s next

NBGC plans to continue executing on its strategic plan, with regular progress updates and accountability measures overseen by the Board-managed working groups. The organization will also maintain its partnership with ESC, leveraging the consulting firm's expertise as implementation continues.

The takeaway

The NBGC-ESC partnership demonstrates how a strategic mindset shift and the right consulting support can revitalize a long-standing nonprofit organization. By moving from reactive, tactical decisions to a more data-driven, strategic approach, NBGC has empowered its leadership team, strengthened its programs and operations, and positioned itself for long-term sustainability and impact in the Chicago community.