February 8, 2005 - Oakland , CA - Even as a nonprofit with revenue generating business and a strong network of donors, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County 's operating budget was greatly skewed.  The factors included consistent increased demand for social services, and four consecutive years of increases in workers compensation and employee health benefits costs.  These increases, in addition to being stuck in the old way of operating, negatively affected the bottom line.  

As the substantial financial deficit was realized, it was imperative that something be done.  "It is important for us to be fiscally responsible to our employees, community, and those we serve.  Because we were so close to the situation, it was difficult to think out of the box, and develop strategies for increasing revenue" notes Ray Carney, Retail Services Manager.  As other organizations know, it is sometimes too easy to decrease expenses, especially when the majority of expenses are employee related.  Yet, the flip side is, as a nonprofit whose mission is to provide employment opportunities, it was difficult to let go of staff. 

In order to stop the bleeding, that is what St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County had to do.  But, that was not enough to balance the budget.  That is when the Society enlisted the help of Stanford Alumni.  

The Stanford Alumni Consultant Team (ACT) provides free management consulting services to nonprofit organizations.  Over the six months that the consultant team worked with the board and management of St. Vincent de Paul, the team dissected SVdP's revenue generating operation, the thrift stores.  At the end of the six months, the team presented their findings and recommendations.  At that time, it was the Society's turn to implement new revenue generating strategies. 

As the Society begins to implement these strategies, donors and the general public may realize changes in the organization's operations.  "Too many nonprofits have had to close their doors due to financial issues.  These closures have left the remaining service providers to pick up where they left off.  It is bad enough that most of us are reliant upon government and foundation funding, and have not discovered avenues for social enterprise or revenue generating activities.  But until we get there, as an industry, we must continue to provide our communities with the arts, social services, and other needed activities" states Cheryl Me yer, Retail Services Manager.  

About St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County (SVdP) is a human services non-profit that conducts a variety of 37 parish programs designed to aid the needy in virtually every corner of Alameda County including food pantries, housing referrals, clothing distribution, spiritual support and other essential services.  

SVdP is supported through donor contributions and operates five thrift stores where merchandise is sold or given away directly to those in need.  The Society also operates a Free Dining Room and two drop in centers that provide laundry facilities, employment opportunities, shower facilities, resource and referral and other needed services to homeless and low-income men, women and children in West Oakland .  In 2002, more than 100,000 in need received services from The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County including 400,000 meals served from the Free Dining Room.  

For a feature article or information contact Kelli Zenn, Communications Director at 510.636.4242.

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