FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Forefront Ignites Collaboration: Free Event Unites Bloomington Nonprofits and Grantmakers to Strengthen Local Social Impact

Chicago, IL — June 3, 2025 — Forefront, Illinois’ statewide association of nonprofits, grantmakers, public agencies, and advisors, will host a special free in-person networking event for its members and friends in Bloomington, Illinois, on Wednesday, June 26, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Illinois Soybean Association, 1108 Trinity Lane.

This event is designed to foster collaboration and strengthen connections among nonprofit professionals, advisors, and grantmakers serving the Bloomington area and surrounding communities. Open to current and prospective Forefront members, the gathering will offer an opportunity to learn about Forefront’s statewide programs and services, share local insights, and build relationships that drive social impact across Illinois.

Founded in 1974, Forefront serves as Illinois’ only statewide membership association for the nonprofit and philanthropic sector. Through advocacy, education, and thought leadership, Forefront works to build a vibrant social impact sector and sustainably improve the well-being and economic security of communities in every corner of Illinois. By uniting organizations from Chicago to Carbondale, Rockford to Quincy, and everywhere in between, Forefront recognizes the unique needs, challenges, and strengths of each region—while amplifying the collective voice and capacity of Illinois’ nonprofit and philanthropic community.

“Forefront is committed to serving the entire state of Illinois, and events like this underscore our belief that local voices and regional collaboration are essential to a thriving civil sector,” said CEO, Monique B. Jones. “We are excited to bring together Bloomington-area leaders to share ideas, forge new partnerships, and ensure that the unique strengths of Central Illinois are recognized and supported as part of our statewide mission.”

Attendees will enjoy light refreshments, networking opportunities, and the chance to engage with fellow social impact professionals. This event is free to attend, but registration is required and open to all nonprofit, philanthropic, and advisory professionals interested in strengthening their connections within the Bloomington community and across Illinois.

To register or learn more, visit https://myforefront.org/bloomingtonevent.

About Forefront:

Forefront is Illinois’ statewide association representing nonprofits and grantmakers, as well as their advisors and allies. For fifty years (founded in 1974 as the Donors Forum of Chicago), Forefront has served as a trusted resource and leader committed to educating, unifying, and mobilizing the sector in Illinois. Our mission is to build a vibrant social impact sector for all the people of Illinois. We provide education, advocacy, and thought leadership, and facilitate collective action around issues that are important to our members and to the sector. For more information, visit www.myforefront.org.

For media inquiries, please contact Dilane Mitchell, Director of Marketing & Communications at [email protected] or 312-327-8940.

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