Northwestern Students Consulting for Nonprofit Organizations (SCNO) is a student run organization that provides pro-bono strategic consulting for non-profits in the Chicago-land area. Through ten weeks of intensive research and development, student teams with the guidance of a professional mentor work with non-profits to develop action-items that aim to achieve the development goals of the non-profit client.
In order to meet the highest standards of results, SCNO draws its talent from a diverse background of students, ranging from engineering, to economics, to social policy. This cross-collaboration of expertise allows our consultants to not only develop a wide breadth of solutions across fields, but also delve deeply into each specific sub-solution, drawing upon unique areas of expertise.
The success of SCNO is rooted in our three core principles: constant collaboration with the nonprofit, dynamic team building and growth, and impact with purpose. With these principles in mind, we strive to deliver results of the highest standard to our clients and develop the personal and professional skills of our members.
“In order to meet the highest standards of results, SCNO draws its talent from a diverse background of students, ranging from engineering, to economics, to social policy.”
HISTORY
The concept of Students Consulting for Nonprofit Organizations (SCNO) was originated at the University of Arizona in 2000. In 2008, SCNO was brought to the Northwestern University campus with an eagerness to apply its altruistic essence to nonprofits in the greater-Chicago area. Quickly, however, the reach of SCNO has spread far beyond the North Shore, with engagements no longer limited to the original foundations.
Since its inception in 2008, SCNO has consulted over 100 non-profits on a variety of topics, including marketing, fundraising and capital allocation, information technology, organization strategy, and operational management. Today, SCNO is fast becoming one of the most engaging and dynamic student groups on campus, offering students from all colleges the opportunity to apply their academic and personal experiences to better the community through pro-bono consulting engagements. With over 300 Northwestern SCNO members since 2008, SCNO’s vast alumni and current student network provides members with a diverse and interesting community of students, non-profits, mentors, and alumni.