• Forefront is the hub for social good in Illinois. We help our members drive change by making them more effective, strategic and innovative. Join us!

  • Forefront offers affordable, accessible, comprehensive trainings that help you do more Good. Browse our course catalog. 

  • Forefront engages policymakers and leading stakeholders in developing policy recommendations and solutions that build a vibrant social impact sector. Learn more. 

  •  Forefront recently launched Converge Consulting which provides affordable accounting and financial services to nonprofits and foundations. Learn more.

Library

We connect people who want to change the world to the resources they need to succeed.

Get free access to prospect research, informational databases, and more at Forefront's Library.

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Policy + Advocacy Center

No matter your level of experience, no matter the size of your organization, we can help you connect advocacy to your organization's mission.

 

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Support Us

We invite you to Sponsor Forefront and highlight your dedication to building a vibrant social impact sector in Illinois.

 

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Join the Movement

Whether you are a grantmaker, nonprofit, advisor, or ally of the sector, we welcome you to our community. Join the movement to make our state a better place for everyone!

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Upcoming Programs

Feb
27

Decolonizing Wealth: A Conversation with Edgar Villanueva

What if we could use wealth to heal rather than cause further harm? What if money was spent trying out concepts that challenge or shatter the structures and systems that have created incredible inequity and disparity?

Please join us on February 27, 3:00-6:00 p.m. (program 3:00-5:00) at the Chicago History Museum (McCormick Theater), 1601 N Clark St for a special Decolonizing Wealth book event. The event will feature an in-depth conversation between Villanueva and representatives from Raise the Floor and Shriver Center about the book and how institutions that control access to money can advance racial equity and better serve the needs of communities of color. The event will also highlight stories about both of the organizations’ journey to lead with racial equity. Speakers include Sophia Zaman (Raise the Floor) and Gavin Kearney (Shriver Center), moderated by Tracie Hall (Joyce Foundation) and emceed by Mary Morten (Morten Group). The event will begin with a special performance by the American Indian Center of Chicago.

Feb
28

Nonprofit Finance Series (Chicago)

Nonprofit finance is about more than just numbers – it’s about making your strategies and priorities come to life. The following series examines the technical and strategic aspects of nonprofit finance with a focus on calculating and communicating your real costs.
Feb
28

Understanding Your Organization’s Financial Health (Chicago)

This workshop will provide the tools you need to better understand your organization’s current financial health and trends over time, and how this information compares to industry benchmarks in the nonprofit sector.
Feb
28

2019 Joyce Awards Convening - Chicago I

Learn More about the Joyce Foundation Culture Program and the Joyce Awards at this information session!

The Joyce Awards, the only program supporting artists of color in major Great Lakes cities, has awarded nearly $3.5 million to commission 65 new works since the program started in 2003. Each year cash awards of $50,000 go to support partnerships between artists and cultural or community organizations in six eligible cities: Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis-Saint Paul.
Mar
1

2019 Joyce Awards Convening – Chicago II

Learn More about the Joyce Foundation Culture Program and the Joyce Awards at this information session!

The Joyce Awards, the only program supporting artists of color in major Great Lakes cities, has awarded nearly $3.5 million to commission 65 new works since the program started in 2003. Each year cash awards of $50,000 go to support partnerships between artists and cultural or community organizations in six eligible cities: Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis-Saint Paul.
Mar
5

Family Foundations Planning Session

Registration for this event is closed and is being postponed to a future date.  A new date will be announced as soon as possible.  

Please join your colleagues for the following Forefront Member Network, Family Foundations planning session to set agenda for the coming year July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020.
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