Do-Gooder Consulting Homepage

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Your student needs to fill out the FAFSA -- NOW!!!


We at Do-Gooder Consulting really want to implore anyone with a student going to college - whether high school senior, returning student, or an adult even thinking about going to college - to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) NOW! Don’t wait! 



Back in our day, the FAFSA was filled out by hand. The financial aid officer also had to calculate by hand, which made the process long and strenuous. Any revisions would be equally as long , so it was suggested that students wait until taxes were done before submitting the FAFSA. That allowed families to make copies of tax forms, and provide accurate information. Financial aid programs like the Illinois Monetary Assistance Program (MAP) grant were able to provide money up until classes actually began.



However, technology, especially through the web and computers, has completely changed the process - for the better.  Using www.FAFSA.gov families can quickly input (and change) information.  Most people send their taxes in online, whether by using an application at home such as Turbo Tax, or going to a professional such as H & R Block, or even most independent accountants.  That information can then be easily downloaded via the IRS Retrieval Tool. That one click often replaces the photocopies and mailings and calls to the financial aid office of the past.



The downside of the technology upgrades is that since it makes it easier to fill out applications for financial aid, more people know about the opportunities and are rushing to take advantage of it.  We talked about the shrinking MAP deadlines in the past. Even though the state of Illinois is having problems now with disbursing MAP funds for the current year, in order to possibly funds for the next school year (2016-2017), Illinois residents need to fill out the FAFSA within the next week.



We previously wrote about MAP deadlines, with 2015 running out by approximately Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14). Below is our projections for when MAP money will run out not just for the upcoming school year, but the school year following.






In looking at the graphic, you may have noticed that our projection for the end of MAP money is the middle of this November. That’s because of some major changes with the FAFSA for the next school year. Do-Gooder Consulting documented these changes in an earlier blog.

There are some good reasons for this change.  The earlier deadline, which now coincides with many college application deadlines. This allows students to make a timely decision to see if a college is a good fit not just academically but also financially. See our graphic below for details on the need to have both a completed FAFSA
and a college application that is not just completed, but accepted by the college.



The main trouble will be for families who have returning students. They will think “Didn’t we just fill this out?”  And that feeling is justified, as it may have been 8 months or less when they filled out the FAFSA.  That is going to require a change in mindset. For years, Do-Gooder Consulting has advocated FAFSA completion sessions at the beginning of the year. We have worked with churches to do such a session following their service on the first Sunday of January.



Now, we encourage churches to hold such a session in October or if needed, November. Nonprofits can work with families with holding evening sessions, or also during the day if the families have Columbus Day or Veterans’ Day off.  It’s a huge shift in scheduling, and may conflict with other activities. But if going to - and graduating - college is a priority, then lifestyle changes need to be made.

So please, plan accordingly, so your student can get the best financial aid possible. If you are part of a church or nonprofit (or even business that wishes to maximize help for your employees, customers and their families), please contact us at Do-Gooder Consulting, and let’s see how we can work together for the best interest of students. We would be happy to help you organize a coalition of organizations to maximize resources and impact. Feel free to call or text Do-Gooder Consulting at 872-222-8008 or e-mail at  blog@do-gooder.us

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Illinois College Access Network February 2016 meeting = Feb 9


Illinois College Access Network


Where?  Chicago Scholars – 247 S State Street – Chicago IL

When?   Tuesday, February 9, 2016

8:00 – Light Breakfast and Networking
8:45 – Onset of Mental Health Issues During the College Years
  • Coalition of 80 national private and public colleges (4 in Illinois) proposing innovative approach to processing applications
  • BRING YOUR OWN QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS
Announcements and additional discussion until adjournment +/- 10;30
Membership or Renewal:  www.illinoiscan.org.  Current members, categories, fees, and applications are at the website under “Membership.”

There are a lot of changes in the world of college access & financial aid. Come get updated!



You can also call/text 
872-222-8008 or e-mail blog@do-gooder.us for an update. Updates for the event are at this link and  the website at www.illinoiscan.org   


Tuesday, January 19, 2016

JP Paulus on V103 THIS Sunday

Do-Gooder Consulting President JP Paulus will be on V103's Sunday call-in show "Chicago Speaks with Darryl Dennard".

He should be on some time between 6:30pm - 7:30pm (depending on topics and guests) on Sunday, February 7.

You can listen by tuning into 102.7 FM, or online by clicking this link. V103 is part of the iHeartRadio network, and can be found on their app and website, if you'd like to listen online.

2 weeks ago, Chicago Speaks featured the MAP Grant crisis in Illinois, where the current state budget crisis is preventing the Illinois Student Assistance Commission from disbursing funds to colleges. Because of Chicago State University's current budget issues, the lack of MAP (Monetary Assistance Program) money is causing even larger problems, which is prompting quicker action.

That inspired JP to share his recent blogpost about 2016 MAP Deadlines and the new FAFSA opening date. Despite the current crisis, students will still have to plan for next year, as ISAC won't suspend their normal process. Also, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will have an earlier deadline.  JP will talk about those issues on this Sunday's show.

Now, breaking events could bump JP from the lineup, but plan to hear him some time between 6:30pm - 7:30pm

We hope you can tune in. You can also call in with questions at 312-591-8103.

Darryl M. Dennard, host of "Chicago Speaks" on V103, 102.7 FM in Chicago

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Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Did you know we do graphic design and Powerpoint Presentations?

Did you know we can do basic graphic design and PowerPoint presentations?

If you are a speaker, teacher or preacher, you have a lot of great things to say. But you probably don't the time or the technical expertise to create an appropriate visual complement, to help your listeners absorb that information.

We can also use PowerPoint to help you set up detailed professional flyers for events. JP Paulus of Do-Gooder did this promotional card for Oakdale Covenant Church's recent Men's Week:





We've also helped their Women's Ministry as well




What are your needs? Let us know how we can help you! Contact Do-Gooder Consulting by phone or text at 872-222-8008 or by e-mail at blog@do-gooder.us

We are also contemplating doing a webinar with about 7-10 Powerpoint tips to help you maximize your use of Powerpoint. Let us know!

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

New events for a new year

It's a brand new year  for JP Paulus and Do-Gooder Consulting, and we would like to see you as part of the action. Call or text us at 872-222-8008 or e-mail us at  blog@do-gooder.us if you have questions or would like to meet! (Also, see the bottom of this post regarding an opportunity to help your students with financial aid!)



Urban Youth Network





The next meeting is scheduled for Saturday January 16at  9am. The location is different than usual - New Life Covenant Northwest, 5100 w. Diversey. From UYN coordinator Nick Rivera:


I want to extend an invitation to join UYN on Saturday January 16 to cover 2 areas. 
  • First to unite in prayer with other youth workers to cover our students. The work we do can be very difficult and praying with out brothers and sisters in Christ is absolutely crucial. 
  • Second is to hear about how to make an impact in the schools around your church. Perhaps you have had a desire to get in the schools but don't know how, Shawn Proctor of Grip Outreach for Youth will lead a workshop on how to do so. You don't want to miss


  February's is guest speaker is longtime Chicago Urban Youth Worker Amy Williams. Date is to be determined, but probably Feb. 20


 Join fellow youth workers for fellowship & growth.  You can also call/text 872-222-8008 or e-mail blog@do-gooder.us for an update, or questions.  

Free breakfast (includes doughnuts, fruit, juice and coffee) is provided.

For more info, contact Nick Rivera at nick@gripyouth.com or see the Urban Youth Network Facebook page


Business First Friday  

This longtime networking event continues at Chef Sara's Cafe in South Shore. See you Friday, January 8 at 8:30 am, located at 7261 S. Exchange. 

We have begun some great partnerships through these meetings, such as Global Generation group (see our previous blog post). Many members of the Chatham Business Association (see below) plan on joining us. This event is hosted by Bruce Montgomery of Technology TV (among many other ventures).

From the First Friday event's Facebook page:






Illinois College Access Network


Where?  Chicago Scholars – 247 S State Street – Chicago IL

When?   Tuesday, February 9, 2016
8:00 – Light Breakfast and Networking
8:45 – Onset of Mental Health Issues During the College Years
  • Coalition of 80 national private and public colleges (4 in Illinois) proposing innovative approach to processing applications
  • BRING YOUR OWN QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS
Announcements and additional discussion until adjournment +/- 10;30
Membership or Renewal:  www.illinoiscan.org.  Current members, categories, fees, and applications are at the website under “Membership.”

There are a lot of changes in the world of college access & financial aid. Come get updated!


You can also call/text 
872-222-8008 or e-mail blog@do-gooder.us for an update. Updates for the event are at this link and  the website at www.illinoiscan.org   








Chatham Business Association 

We'll see you at the next Chatham Business Association meeting  at 8:30am on Tuesday, January 12, at the QBG Foundation Building, Meeting Room, 806 E. 78th St. Chicago, IL 60619 .The Monthly Membership Meeting, held by Chatham Business Association, Small Business Development Inc., is to inform current members and prospective members about issues and activities going on in Chatham and the City of Chicago.
 You do not need to be a member to attend, but you should register.  Breakfast is provided for a small fee. See their webpage for details on this event.  







Tutor Mentor Conference


We appreciate Daniel Bassill of the Tutor Mentor Institute inviting us to the May 2015 Tutor-Mentor Conference to present on "Twists on Traditional Fundraising".  The 44th conference will be in May 2016, with a smaller gathering planned in November 2015. Look for updates here on their website.



FAFSA Completion sessions


We're also scheduling FAFSA completion sessions for the first week of January, where we help families correctly fill out the FAFSA. The first that we have planned is one at Oakdale Covenant Church, 9440 S. Vincennes after the 10:30am service on Sunday, January 17, 2016. We will utilize Oakdale Christian Academy's computer lab to allow up to 20 families to fill out their FAFSA at a time. Check our blog for details and updates. Call text or e-mail us to schedule your own session!








We hope to more fully participate in events such as:



We will post details as they arrive.
web@do-gooder.us


We hope to see you at these and other events.  Don't forget to bring business cards, even if it is a "bootleg" business card (see our blog on it).  If you plan on coming to these events, please call/test us at 872-222-8008 or by e-mail at blog@do-gooder.us

We hope to see you soon!