Blurb about why Forefront rocks, caption for photo

Our Positions

Forefront’s mission is to build a vibrant social impact sector for all the people of Illinois, which is only possible if federal and state policies support and advance the work of nonprofits, foundations, and other social impact organizations. Forefront’s policy positions provide a framework for how we determine if various legislation, regulations, and other government requirements are favorable to our sector.

Nonprofit organizations are dedicated to the public good: their work improves lives, strengthens communities and the economy, and lightens the burdens of government, taxpayers, and society as a whole. Supportive and predictable tax policies at the federal, state, and local levels are critical to the success of nonprofits in pioneering and implementing solutions to community problems and aspirations and enriching the quality of life. Forefront is committed to preserving the tax-exempt status of organizations that contribute to the well-being of their communities, as well as strengthening and expanding incentives for individuals to give their time and money to those organizations whose missions they support.

Forefront is committed to mutual transparency and accountability on behalf of both nonprofits and government. As stewards of public dollars, nonprofits funded directly by the public should adhere to the highest standards of transparency and accountability through the Illinois Charitable Trust Act, federal laws, and sector-wide best practices that provide donors with the information they want and need while providing necessary privacy protections. Likewise, government should meet its obligations to public trust by acting transparently and demonstrating accountability through its government officials, employees, and agencies in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, ethics and campaign finance laws, state contracts and statutory monitoring that provide taxpayers with the information they want and need while providing necessary privacy protections.

Illinois’ 66,000 charitable nonprofits are on the front lines of helping residents when they are sick, hungry or poor and disadvantaged; conducting research to prevent and cure disease and enhance scientific discovery; promoting opportunity and personal achievement through education; protecting our environment; and enriching our lives through the arts, religion, and many other programs. Illinois’ charitable nonprofits are able to deliver these services through the efforts of over 517,000 employees. Our industry is the 4th largest in the state, and produces nearly 9% of Illinois’ GDP. As job creators, nonprofits can and should participate in the development of job growth policies at all levels.

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