Listen to the Back Office Cooperative Interview

The innovative Back Office Cooperative, a collaborative group of nonprofit organizations in Chicago, is celebrating its fifth year of operation and $5 million in collective savings for its members.

Metropolitan Family Services is a founding member of the Cooperative and has saved more than $1 million in the five years it has been a part of The Back Office Cooperative.

The cooperative was formed in 2008 with lead investments from the United Way of Chicago and The Chicago Community Trust and pro bono consulting assistance from McKinsey and Company.

The Back Office Cooperative works with members to identify areas of need, then negotiates with business partners to offer products and services at a level of savings the agencies would not be able to achieve individually. Current Cooperative offerings include finance and accounting services, supplies and food, energy, janitorial services, telecommunications, and insurance.

David McConnell, Back Office Cooperative Board Chair and Chief Financial Officer for One Hope United, a founding member of the Cooperative, was featured on the internet radio show “Community with Marie Lazzara” to talk about the Cooperative. Listen here.