Six Sigma is a measurement, methodology and strategy to eliminate variations and defects from processes. For nonprofits, this can lead to faster service to consumers; serving more people; and, serving them more consistently.

Fourteen nonprofits have participated in our Six Sigma program, through three cohorts (group classes with accompanying projects):

Cohort #1 - Consumer Credit Counseling Service

Cohort #2 - Benedict House, Catholic Charities, Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled, Food Bank of Western New York, Meals on Wheels for Western New York, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County

Cohort #3 - Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority, Buffalo Urban League, Compass House, Gateway-Longview, Hispanics United of Buffalo, Martin House Restoration Corporation, New Directions Youth and Family Services

Six Sigma classes are led by William J. Hill, Ph. D. Bill was formerly a director of Six Sigma at Honeywell, and the director of the Center for Quality and Productivity Improvement at the University of Wisconsin. In his retirement, Bill now volunteers through the United Way Not Profit Resource Center to help nonprofits implement Six Sigma projects.

Participating nonprofits select an improvement project within their organization, and a cross-functional project team. Up to five team members, from each nonprofit, then attend a two-hour introductory session, followed by four classes, each four hours in length, approximately two weeks apart. Teams work on their projects during and between classes.

We are now collecting interest from nonprofits for Cohort #4 classes, to begin in March or April of 2009. For more information, please call 887-2757.