Better Government Association (BGA) Company Profile

Background

Founded in 1923, the Better Government Association (BGA) is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting transparency, equity, and accountability in government across Chicago and Illinois. Celebrating its centennial in 2023, BGA has evolved into a prominent watchdog entity, combining investigative journalism with policy advocacy to serve the public interest.

Key Strategic Focus

BGA's strategic initiatives are centered on:

Investigative Journalism: Through the Illinois Answers Project, BGA conducts in-depth investigations into government operations, exposing corruption and inefficiencies.

Policy Advocacy: BGA Policy advocates for reforms that enhance government transparency and accountability, engaging in legislative processes to drive systemic change.

Civic Engagement: BGA empowers citizens by providing tools and information to hold public officials accountable, fostering an informed and active electorate.

Financials and Funding

In 2022, BGA reported revenues of approximately $4.24 million and expenses of $3.98 million, resulting in a net income of $258,911. The organization's net assets stood at $3.5 million.

A significant financial milestone was achieved in November 2021 when the Robert R. McCormick Foundation committed up to $10 million over five years to establish the Illinois Solutions Partnership. This collaboration aims to enhance investigative and solutions-focused journalism, with BGA matching the foundation's commitment through additional resources.

Pipeline Development

BGA's key initiatives include:

Illinois Answers Project: Launched in 2022, this platform delivers investigative and solutions-oriented reporting on critical issues affecting Illinois residents.

BGA Policy: This arm focuses on advocating for policy reforms that promote transparent and accountable governance.

Illinois Solutions Partnership: Formed in collaboration with the McCormick Foundation, this initiative combines investigative journalism with solutions reporting to address the state's challenges.

Technological Platform and Innovation

BGA leverages data journalism and digital platforms to enhance its investigative capabilities:

Illinois Public Salaries Database: This tool provides transparency into public employee compensation across Illinois, enabling citizens to track government spending.

The Circuit: A collaborative project that analyzes over 30 years of Cook County Circuit Court records, revealing systemic inequities and biases within the legal system.

Leadership Team

BGA's leadership comprises experienced professionals dedicated to its mission:

David Greising: President & CEO, overseeing strategic direction and operations.

Chris Shoup: Vice President of Finance and Operations, managing financial and operational aspects.

Amber Bel’Cher: Vice President of Development, leading fundraising and donor relations.

Bryan Zarou: Vice President of Policy, directing policy advocacy initiatives.

Ruby Bailey: Editor-In-Chief, guiding editorial content and journalistic standards.

Leadership Changes

In early 2022, BGA appointed Ronnie Ramos, former executive editor of the Indianapolis Star, as its first Editor-in-Chief, marking a significant expansion of its editorial leadership.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The nonprofit investigative journalism sector is characterized by a commitment to public service, focusing on uncovering governmental inefficiencies and promoting transparency. Organizations in this space rely on philanthropic funding and grants to sustain operations, emphasizing the importance of credibility and impact in their reporting.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

ProPublica: A nonprofit newsroom producing investigative journalism in the public interest, known for its in-depth reporting on national issues.

Center for Public Integrity: Focuses on investigative journalism to reveal abuses of power and corruption at a national level.

Chicago Reporter: A local nonprofit investigative news organization covering race, poverty, and income inequality in Chicago.

These organizations share a common goal of holding power to account but differ in geographic focus and specific areas of investigation.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

BGA has established significant partnerships to enhance its impact:

Illinois Solutions Partnership: A collaboration with the McCormick Foundation, combining resources to address state challenges through investigative and solutions journalism.

Media Collaborations: BGA partners with various media outlets, including the Chicago Tribune, to amplify its investigative findings and reach a broader audience.