VISION INSPIRES
THE HUMAN HEART

Vision flourishes at the crossroads of creativity and confidence; it is where hope meets imagination. Vision is the art of seeing possibility.

VISION INSPIRES
ACTION

It inspires your work; and it inspires us to support and fund your work.

VISION INSPIRES
INVESTMENT

People invest in what they believe in - they invest themselves, and they invest money. Latz & Company moves clients and their constituencies from vision to investment.

 

Latz & Company is a fundraising and organizational development firm dedicated to transforming nonprofits. 

For more than 30 years, we have joined with our nonprofit partners and their constituents to help them prepare for and to implement major gift programs and capital campaigns. Fundraising results have been optimized when supported by our organizational development services. 

We have proudly partnered with more than 300 nonprofit organizations including:

 

Catalyst Schools
Chicago, IL

Cristo Rey Network
Chicago, IL

Harris Theater for
Music and Dance
Chicago, IL

Sacred Heart Schools
Chicago, IL

Start Early Champions for Early Learning
Chicago, IL

Francis W. Parker School
Chicago, IL

The Chicago Public Education Fund
Chicago, IL

Loyola High School Detroit Detroit, MI

PACTT Learning Center Chicago, IL

National Black Theatre
New York, New York  

Misericordia Heart of Mercy
Chicago, IL

Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Chicago, IL

National Museum of Mexican Art
Chicago, IL

Animal Care League
Oak Park, IL

High Jump
Chicago, IL

Notre Dame University Bangladesh Dhaka Bangladesh

 
 

A distinguishing element of our firm is our commitment to customize each and every engagement to the unique circumstances and needs of our clients. 

We consider our work as integral to our client’s efforts to realize their goals and objectives, and we are willing to roll up our sleeves and become part of the client team by immersing ourselves into the opportunities and challenges our clients face in their work.

Our partnership philosophy reflects the view that clients need more than advice and counsel; they need help actually getting the job done. 

 
 

We believe giving is optimized through building a strong culture of philanthropy and taking a holistic approach to fundraising. 

 
 
 

Our methodology is reflected by two overarching models: The Fundraising Cycle and The Advancement Framework. 

 
 
 

We are innovators who roll up our sleeves and become part of your team, joining you on the front lines of fund development, including solicitation meetings.

 
 
 

We engage a broad base of stakeholder involvement, resulting in deeper commitment and higher investment. 

 
 
 

Latz & Company provides an array of services centered on capital campaigns, major gift programs, annual fund and advancement, organizational development, and strategic assessments. All are designed to enhance and optimize a mission driven organization’s culture of philanthropy. 

We offer a depth of knowledge and experience, and a breadth of service unparalleled in the industry.

 
 

CAPITAL CAMPAIGNS

Latz & Company engages with mission driven clients to execute a step-by-step process to maximize campaign support.  Our process has been proven to reach and exceed initial goals in hundreds of campaigns.

 

MAJOR GIFT PROGRAMS

Major gifts are the centerpiece of any mission-driven organization's fundraising efforts. Latz & Company improves results across the spectrum of major gift activity. From creating a major gift department to assessing an existing program, from training a team of major gift officers or board members to individual coaching, we design the approach that best fits our client's needs.

 

ANNUAL FUND AND ADVANCEMENT

Latz & Compnay embraces the advancement model as a comprehensive approach to fundraising, marketing, communications and related areas for mission-driven organizations.  Our services enhance fundraising performance in a variety of ways –  from assessment of existing operations to building comprehensive fundraising programs to bolster key areas including knowledge management, grants and sponsorships and planned giving. Alongside these core areas, we offer services to address challenges in brand, marketing and communications, particularly in relation to fundraising activity.  Our comprehensive approach helps our clients tell their story in a way that optimizes both general awareness and financial support.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Mission-driven organizations often must contend with operational complexity as evidenced by their administrative and governance structures, the human and financial resources necessary to accomplish the mission, revenue models that require constant balancing of contributed, earned and (ever-decreasing) governmental funding, etc. Latz & Company helps organizations navigate these increasingly turbulent waters. From governance, human resource and financial management assessments to board development and executive and board member coaching, this work is critical to sustained organizational performance and success.

 

BRAND, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Mission-driven organizations dedicate their resources to address pressing social needs.  Latz & Company provides our clients a wide range of services designed to increase awareness of their impact by creating brand, marketing and communications programs to deliver their message. Most importantly, we work with our clients to tell their story in a way that attracts even greater levels of funding and financial support.

 

STRATEGIC ASSESSMENTS

Today’s mission-driven organizations are operating in challenging environments that require a more strategic approach to assure sustained performance and success. Sound strategy not only enhances the organization's capability, it also attracts greater financial support from today's savvy investors. From strategic assessments to board development, we help our clients gain a more complete and objective view of their organizations, and facilitate a relevant and executable strategic plan that improves the organization's competitive position.

 

 

 

 

Latz & Company Staff


Leo Latz

President & Founder

708.774.0815
leo@latzandco.com

Lydia Schwerin

Client Services Associate

lschwerin@latzandco.com

Elyse Johnson

Vice President

713.910.8902
ejohnson@latzandco.com

Johnny Figel

Senior Consultant

708.363.0399
jfigel@latzandco.com

Derek McPhatter

Vice President

718.687.8588
dmcphatter@latzandco.com

Grace Huffman-Gottschling

Client Services Associate

773.209.1924
ghuffman@latzandco.com


Of Counsel

Brian Murphy

Jennifer B. GoodSmith

Raydia Martin, Esq.

Vanessa N. Lewis

Janet Knupp

888.949.5289
janet.knupp@outlook.com

Be Creative: The Campaign for Creative Schools

The Campaign for Creative Schools

 

Masterpiece: Inspiring Education

The Campaign for Sacred Heart Schools

 

Education

Catalyst School
Chicago, IL

Cristo Rey Network
Chicago, IL

Francis W. Parker School
Chicago, IL

High Jump
Chicago, IL

Loyola High School Detroit
Detroit, MI

Notre Dame College Prep
Niles, IL

Notre Dame University Bangladesh
Dhaka, Bangladesh

The Chicago Public Education Fund
Chicago, IL

University of Illinois
Champaign, IL

University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, IL

Social Service

American Red Cross of Greater Chicago
Chicago, IL

Beloved Community
Chicago, IL

Big Brothers Big Sisters
Chicago, IL

Career Transitions Center
Chicago, IL

The Cara Program
Chicago, IL

Misericordia Heart of Mercy
Chicago, IL

Start Early Champions for Early Learning
Chicago, IL

PACTT Learning Center Chicago, IL

SOS Children's Villages
Chicago, IL

Union League Boys & Girls Club
of Chicago
Chicago, IL

Community Based/Economic Development

Chicago Regional Growth Corporation
Chicago, IL

Choose DuPage
Lisle, IL

The Resurrection Project
Chicago, IL

Foundations

Aspen Valley Foundation
Aspen, CO

Catholic Education Foundation
Joliet, IL

Community Library Foundation
Wheeling, IL

The Joyce Foundation
Chicago, IL

Madonna Foundation
Homewood, IL

Rotary Foundation
Evanston, IL

ROTARY/One Foundation
Chicago, IL

The Make-A-Wish Foundation
Chicago, IL

Health Care

Animal Care League
Oak Park, IL

La Rabida Chidren's Hospital
Chicago, IL

Presence St. Mary's Hospital Foundation
Kankakee, IL

Faith Based

Clerics of St. Viator
Arlington Heights, IL

Dominican Friars
Chicago, IL

Fourth Presbyterian Church
Chicago, IL

Missionary Sisters of Sacred Heart
Chicago, IL

Old St. Patrick's Church
Chicago, IL

St. Michael's Church in Old Town
Chicago, IL

Arts

Chicago Architecture Foundation
Chicago, IL

Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Chicago, IL

Be Creative: The Campaign for Creative Schools
Chicago, IL

GrassRoots Community Television
Aspen, CO

Harris Theater for Music & Dance
Chicago, IL

Luminarts Cultural Foundation at the Union League Club of Chicago
Chicago, IL

National Black Theatre   New York, New York

National Museum of Mexican Art
Chicago, IL

 
"I think other consultants come in with recipes for types of projects but this firm listened first. They became very attuned to our needs, then customized a strategy just for us that complemented our goals, our mission, and our strengths. I don't know of any other consulting firm that can do that for a client."

Janet M. Knupp
Former President
The Chicago Public Education Fund

 

"They integrated our philosophy of fundraising and reaching out with the work they needed to do and never tried to make us something that we weren't. I have worked with other consultants and I never felt they were able to witness to our mission in the same way that this firm did. They helped us to continue to make a difference in the lives of our children and adults."

Sister Rosemary Connelly RSM
Executive Director
Misericordia Home

 

"As a long standing board member of the Midtown Educational Foundation, I can personally attest to the positive and lasting impact that your strategic assessment work has had upon our organization. Your assessment went deep into our organization, its mission, culture and governance. You took a hard look at our board, its committees, fundraising, staffing and programs. Your conclusion presented us with specific choices: advance strategically or stay the course. The board and staff have taken these challenges to heart and are turning them into opportunities to take the organization to the next level of effectiveness. You have been the catalyst to make this happen."

Don Haider
Professor of Social Enterprise
Kellogg School of Management
Northwestern University

 

 

Open Positions


Administrative Associate / Assistant

We are looking for a detail-oriented Administrative Assistant (part-time) to join our team to ensure our operations run smoothly and efficiently.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:  

This position is pivotal in helping us be as effective as possible in our work by supporting a variety of administrative responsibilities including operations, bookkeeping support, and HR support. Key responsibilities include the following:

  • Provide efficient client and staff meeting support

  • Support and track contracts and maintain office records and systems

  • Coordinate, track, and process vendor invoicing and client fee agreements

  • Manage employee communications and tracking systems, including employee policies, handbook, onboarding, and vacation schedules

  • Coordinating outreach and engagement with building management and vendor agencies

  • Provide additional support for consultants as needed

  • Provide miscellaneous administrative support as needed

WHAT WE OFFER

  • A collaborative and supportive team environment

  • The opportunity to help us help our nonprofit clients meet their own organizational goals

  • A role that provides a chance to develop a wide range of skills

  • A part-time schedule that offers great flexibility

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS/EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will be independent, hardworking and empathic, with a knack for getting things done. To be successful in this role, a qualified candidate should possess:

  • Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask

  • Demonstrated history of initiative and follow-through

  • Proven organizational skills with a commitment to getting results

  • Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)

  • Ability to quickly grasp concepts and distill information

  • High degree of discretion

  • Proficiency with Macs and the Microsoft Office Suite

  • Experience working with small agencies, HR or IT departments preferred

LOCATION: This is a hybrid position with in-office activity 2- 3 days a month (53 W. Jackson, Chicago) 

TERMS:  Part-time, 12-16 hours per week

COMPENSATION:  $20-22 per hour

BENEFITS:  This part-time position does not qualify for benefits

Interested parties should send resumes / inquiries to Derek McPhatter, Vice President, at  dmcphatter@latzandco.com with “Latz & Co Admin Team” in the subject line.


Associate- Client Services

Overview

  • Location: Chicago, Hybrid

  • Type: Full Time or Contract

  • Min. Experience: Entry to Mid Level

Who We Are

Latz & Company is a fundraising and organizational development firm dedicated to transforming nonprofits. For more than 30 years, we have joined with our nonprofit partners and their constituents to help them prepare for and to implement major gift programs and capital campaigns.

Fundraising results have been optimized when supported by our organizational development services. We have proudly partnered with more than 300 nonprofit organizations, we have the capacity to help local, national and international organizations achieve their fundraising goals.

Our services include:

  • Capital Campaigns

  • Major Gift Programs

  • Annual Fund and Advancement

  • Organizational Development

  • Brand, Marketing and Communications

  • Strategic Assessments

A Career at Latz & Co

Our people are our greatest strength. The collective sum of the individual experiences, backgrounds, knowledge, and talent that we invest in our work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation of perseverance.

A distinguishing element of our firm is our commitment to customize each and every engagement to the unique circumstances and needs of our clients. Due to that and the variety of our organizational partners you’ll have a diversity of projects.

We consider our work as integral to our client’s efforts to realize their goals and objectives, and we are willing to roll up our sleeves and become part of the client team by immersing ourselves into the opportunities and challenges our clients face in their work.

Our partnership philosophy reflects the view that clients need more than advice and counsel; they need help actually getting the job done. Whether you are working on a capital campaign or a strategic assessment you will have direct access to leaders at our firm, leaders in the field, expanding your opportunities to learn and build your network for future success.

Who You Are

Outstanding candidates bring a diverse background, an interest in philanthropy, and ambition to succeed in a rewarding career. The ideal candidate is a highly self-motivated and passionate individual who possesses fundraising experience or transferable skills in consulting, communications, marketing, and strategic planning.

We are looking for a dedicated professional who can:

  • Apply critical and strategic thinking to quickly identify the crux of a problem, question, or issue

  • Communicate clearly, concisely, and logically both verbally and in writing and is comfortable articulating strategies with a variety of audiences

  • Adopt an approach to any given situation and remain open-minded to new ideas

  • Be empathetic to others and their ways of working through and communicating ideas

  • Thrive in a mission-oriented environment and is motivated by the idea of working across philanthropic sectors Qualifications include:

  • Excellent quantitative analytical skills

  • Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with all levels of staff, volunteers, donors, and prospective donors

  • Outstanding organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously

  • Great storytelling skills and strong public speaking skills

  • Professional demeanor Computer proficiency

Projects may include:

  • Supporting the success of a client-engagement through developing and updating project plans, participating in client-facing meetings, as well as internal meetings focused on project deliverables.

  • Managing the project plan, including scheduling and setting the agenda for internal and client facing meetings, both in person and virtual

  • Preparing fundraising campaign materials, including strategic plans, operating materials, case statements, and major gift proposals

  • Conducting in-depth prospect research

  • Write and deliver high-impact presentations and materials Latz & Co offers a graduate associate training program, resources, career advancement, mentoring, and networking opportunities.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourage a diverse pool of candidates to apply.

Interested parties should send a cover letter and resume to the attention of Elyse Johnson, Vice President at ejohnson@latzandco.com.


Graduate Associate Program

OVERVIEW

The Graduate Associate will gain experience supporting the firm’s internal business management needs, as well as core service offerings provided to the mission-driven sector.

Projects will include direct support on several current and upcoming client engagements, as well as a number of administrative projects related to the firm’s infrastructure. At the conclusion of the 9-week period, candidates will have experience in:

  • General Business Management and Operations 

  • Client Services: Supporting discrete deliverables for current mission-driven clients

  • Client Services: Supporting and trouble-shooting services for new client prospects

Estimated Commitment: 20 Hours a Week

This position is designed for a full virtual work experience, with opportunities to expand. Beyond the desk work, the Graduate Associate is expected to participate in:

  • Bi-Weekly Check-In Meetings with Full Management Team

  • Weekly Check In’s on support for Client Engagement Tasks

  • Ongoing communication via email, slack, and phone

Initial Term

9 Weeks, starting date TBD

Compensation

Estimated at $20 / Hour for 20 hrs. Weekly (paid twice a month).

Specific Projects may include:

L& Co Management and Operations – supporting management team (President, and Vice Presidents) on:

  • Scheduling / Calendar Management

  • Practice Area / Engagement Templates

  • New Business and Marketing (RFP responses, communications content)

  • Client Services 1:  Client-Facing Support – Notes, Correspondence, Scheduling

Interested parties should send a cover letter and resume to the attention of Elyse Johnson, Vice President at ejohnson@latzandco.com


Contractor -  Operations and Administration

Overview

Latz & Company seeks an experienced professional to drive an operations and administrative management scope of work in order to strengthen the firm’s infrastructure.

Operational and administrative support includes matters involving information technology, communications technology, managing vendors, support for the individuals responsible for delivery of the service offerings.

These duties have been managed on an ad hoc basis over the course of the pandemic, without dedicated staffing resources.  Latz & Company seeks an experienced administrator as partner in the overall review, re-organization and management of key administrative and operational priorities.  

The contract will conclude with the delivery of key recommendations across the firm’s administration and operations, including recommendations on the position-description and/or staffing pattern for permanent administrative resources at the firm. 

Scope of Work

Over the course of 12 Weeks (roughly April – July 2022), the Contractor will work with the Latz and Company Management team, staff and key contractors on specific work scopes, encompassing the following areas:

  • Virtual Office Administration

  • Management Team Support

  • Human Resources

  • Vendor Relations / Vendor Assessment

The Administrative Contractor to drive the generation of the following deliverables, in collaboration with the management team:

Virtual Office Administration

  1. Technology Audit (computers, voicemail, instant messaging, file-sharing, etc.)

  2. Updated Company Calendar System (for zoom and in-person commitments)

  3. Client Services Shared Drive (updated directory for templates, key documents, etc.)

  4. Management Shared Drive (updated directory for Proposal Development, Bookkeeping, Marketing, and Financial Reporting)

Management Team

  1. Support senior management on select client engagements (notes, prep sessions, etc.)

  2. Recommendations on sales cycle process (intake, presentations, proposals, Letter of Agreement, etc.)

  3. Recommendations on sales strategy – engagement resourcing and profitability

  4. Annual Calendar – anticipating All Team Meetings, Tax Process, Audit process, etc.

  5. Job Description recommendation for permanent / semi-permanent Office Administrator Role

Human Resources

  • Updated online directories for

    • Personnel Files

    • Employee Benefits (401K, insurance, etc.)

    • Holiday and Paid Leave Tracking System

  • Review 2020 Employee Handbook, and recommend revisions

Vendor Assessment

  • Updated online directory with key contact info, contracts and terms for each current vendor, including

    • Management Tools

    • New Business / Sales Tools

    • Bookkeeping Tools

  • Recommendations on vendor scopes across operations, including

    • Information Technology

    • Bookkeeping

  • Marketing and Promotion

Required Skills

  • Strong proficiency in MS office suite including Word, Excel and Outlook.

  • Presentation development experience with PowerPoint or comparable software.

  • Organized individual with a commitment to results

  • Strong and professional communication skills with both co-workers and clients

  • Retention of confidential company and client information.

  • Project management experience

Compensation and Time Expectation

This is a contract, part-time position, estimated 10 hours a week at $30 / hr.  This contract is projected to occur over a 9 – 12 week period, beginning as early as April 2022.

This is a flexible, remote position.  Duties can be executed independently, alongside a schedule that will include sitting in on weekly management meetings focused on the priorities above. Most recommendations can be delivered via simple typed bulleted lists, also shared verbally. 

Interested parties should send cover letters/ resumes to Derek McPhatter, Vice President at dmcphatter@latzandco.com.

T: 888.949.LATZ (5289)
info@latzandco.com

 

53 West Jackson Blvd

Unit 956

Chicago, IL 60604