Senior business management consultants Erica Brevet-Stott of Montclair, Dale Radcliff of Piedmont, John Seidel of Oakmore, Al Peterson of Lafayette and Barbara Chan of El Cerrito offer their services free of charge.

They "came together because of our diverse backgrounds and skills," Radcliff said. "Most nonprofits are cash-strapped, and there's a good deal of demand for consulting services."

The consultants sent out 350 letters earlier in the summer notifying nonprofits that the group could help them with leadership, community and constituency focus, strategic planning, financial management, organization results and process management.

They received 42 applications, whittled those down to five candidates and set up interviews.

The group focused its search on organizations "viable enough to continue on their own" that also could use some advising, Radcliff said.

"It was very difficult to make a decision," Chan said. "There were so many organizations we felt would be a good match."

AIDS Project East Bay --which has an office on Broadway -- assists Alameda County residents and communities with the provision of HIV services, education, prevention and medical care.

Once the Oak Tree Project finishes its work with this organization, it will accept another round of applicants. Applicants who made it to the final round this summer will be reconsidered.

"Nonprofits build up our social fabric ... We want to help them thrive," Chan said.

The consultants, who came together through the Institute of Management Consultants, a global group of professionals, hope their idea will catch on throughout IMC and eventually worldwide, Radcliff said.

For more information about the Oak Tree Project, go to www.oaktreeproject.org or call 510-231-8919.