By: Candice Kline, Sidley Austin LLP

The TMA Pro Bono Committee completed a pro bono engagement with Joel Goldblatt of Williams, Bax & Saltzman, P.C. and board chairman for the Julia Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization located in Fort Sheridan, Illinois. The mission of the Julia Foundation is to create a sculpture garden in the historic district of Fort Sheridan in order to preserve and protect its open spaces and enhance the environment for generations to come, as well as to bring arts education to children and adults of lesser means.

Chapter Secretary, Candice Kline of Sidley Austin LLP, led the engagement and actively sought additional resources aligned with the project’s requirements. Through her efforts, she recruited Robert Brown also of Sidley Austin LLP, who had experience with similar local programs and community insight. Committee co-chair, David Bogetz of Burnham Capital Partners, sourced the project for the committee.

The engagement included feedback on board recruitment, sustainable funding objectives, and development opportunities. Ms. Kline met with Mr. Goldblatt and other stakeholders, and provided input on development models, performance measures for nonprofit boards, and mission enhancement. In particular, she identified areas of focus and resources for self-evaluation. Mr. Brown supplemented these contributions with his knowledge of other local organizations and emphasis on community involvement and support.

“The services provided by the TMA pro bono team gave me structure and ideas that were immediately useful in leading our board,” said Mr. Goldblatt. “I enthusiastically recommend Ms. Kline and her team for other nonprofit engagements.”

The Pro Bono Program offers volunteer turnaround consulting and other necessary services to qualified small businesses and nonprofits. For more information, please contact Executive Director Christine Glatz at (815) 469-2935.