Registration Is Open
We are thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the Forefront Annual Summit 2025 on September 30, designed just for leaders like you!
We’re gathering at a pivotal moment for our sector as we face real challenges that demand our united response. Now more than ever, Forefront is continuing to prioritize fostering a sense of belonging among our community.
This year the theme of the Annual Summit is Community of Care; strengthening connections across Illinois. The core principles of a community of care include building relationships, promoting social and emotional development, and fostering belonging. What better topic to focus on as we come together to celebrate and support the individuals who dedicate countless hours to build thriving communities. We will dive into topics around leadership, authenticity, collaboration and we’ll be centering joy all day long.
Joy Is Pivotal
We’re gathering with an agenda that’s designed to foster meaningful connections and spark joy. Our lunch panel will feature leading practitioners in the sector discussing what it takes to cultivate and sustain a community of care. Our breakout sessions will cover sector trends, and also provide space to experience joy as resilience.
Springfield Is Superb
Make it an experience! See all that Springfield has to offer.
Source: VisitSpringfieldIllinois.com
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Speakers
The summit will include conversation with renowned scholars, experts, and visionaries about creating a united and thriving social sector. They’ll share their experiences of practice in organizations, urban and rural communities, and across the sector. More details to come.
Agenda
9:30 a.m. – Registration, Networking Activity & Light Breakfast
10:30 a.m. – Opening Plenary
11:05 a.m. – Break
11:15 a.m. – Concurrent Workshop Sessions:
- Peer Discussion Tables: Board Governance, Development Strategies, Stewarding Staff, and More
- A Conversation with , author of Nonprofit Prophet: When Community Comes Together
- Communicating through Chaos
12:15 p.m. – Break
12:25 p.m. – Lunch Plenary: What does it take to care for our community as well as our staff?
Featuring: , author of Unhide and Seek, as well as Shannon Bennett (he/him), Executive Director of .
Moderated by: Monique B. Jones, Forefront President and CEO
*Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, Mailee Walker will no longer be able to join us as a panelist for this year’s Annual Summit.
1:45 p.m. – Break
2:00 p.m. – Concurrent Workshop Sessions:
- Media Engagement for Nonprofits
- Collaboration Unscripted – A fundraising conversation with Forefront’s Library
- When to Drop the Mask: How Unhiding Builds Trust, Belonging, and Connection
2:40 p.m. – Break
2:50 p.m. – Concurrent Workshop Sessions:
- Reframing Problems for Social Change
- Connected: The Power of Connection and the Science of Renewal
- Policy Breakout Session – The Impact of Federal Actions: How Should Illinois Respond?
4:00 p.m. – Break
4:10 p.m. – Closing Plenary
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Hotel
Crowne Plaza Springfield – Convention CTR | See the venue.
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Parking
The Crowne Plaza Springfield Convention Center offers complimentary, street-level public parking for its guests. This parking is available on-site and is free for guests, providing ample space.
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Registration FAQs
Registration fees
Early bird / Regular
Forefront members with budgets under $2 million: $85 / $115
Forefront members with budgets over $2 million: $120 / $150
Non-members: $175 / $200
Students: $25 / $50
Early registration rates are available through August 23, 2025.
Who is eligible to attend?
Anyone working in the social impact sector, including operating nonprofits, foundations, corporations, government, and consultants serving the sector are welcome to attend.
What’s included in my registration fee?
Summit registration includes all plenaries and concurrent sessions as well as breakfast and lunch.
How can I cancel or transfer my registration?
Please contact us at [email protected] to cancel or transfer your registration to a colleague. Cancellations received before September 10 will receive a partial refund minus a $30 cancellation fee. Any cancellations received after that date will not be eligible for a refund but can still be transferred to another person.
How can I make an accessibility accommodation request?
Forefront aims to make our gatherings as accessible as possible. ASL interpretation will be provided during all plenary sessions. To request additional accommodations, please contact Emily Long at [email protected] by September 4.
Does this event have a non-solicitation policy?
Yes. Forefront is committed to creating an environment that fosters participation and will not tolerate harassment of any speakers, attendees, or staff. We also ask all participants to support the learning environment by refraining from soliciting funds or business during this, or any, Forefront event.
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Health & Safety
One of our top priorities is to create a safe environment for our attendees, and we ask that each attendee 1) help us create a space where all participants will feel comfortable, and 2) understand that risk tolerances vary from person to person. We are relying on everyone to do their part to keep themselves and everyone else safe during the Summit.
At this time, these are the protocols we have in place to help ensure the safety of all participants. Forefront reserves the right to update these policies at any time. Please continue to refer back to this website to keep up to date. If there is a significant shift in policy, we will email all Summit registrants directly.
Duty of Care Agreement & Liability Waiver
By registering for and attending the Forefront Annual Summit:
- I understand that travel to and participation in events may increase the risk of exposure to communicable diseases or other unforeseen dangers. I hereby forever release, waive, and discharge my right to bring suit against Forefront, its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, and agents for fault, negligence, or conduct in connection with exposure, infection, and/or spread of COVID-19 or other disease or injury related to attending this event.
- I agree to comply with all health and safety guidelines put forth related to this event and am committed to taking precautions recommended by the CDC and local, state, and federal agencies.
- I will not attend this event if I have had recent exposure to a COVID-19 case, experience any symptoms of COVID-19 within ten days of the event, or have not been cleared as non-contagious by the healthcare team responsible for my treatment of a diagnosed COVID-19 case.
- I understand that my failure to comply with all safety protocol procedures as listed above or any direction from Forefront staff onsite may result in immediate removal from the event and cancellation of the registration without refund.
Mask Guidance
At this time, masks will not be required at this year’s Summit but are encouraged. Attendees choosing to wear a mask should provide their own for the event, though a limited supply will be available at the registration desk.
Social Distancing & Physical Contact
Color-coded social distance preference indicators will be available to all attendees during registration on-site. While we look forward to being in person, not everyone will have the same comfort with hugs or handshakes.
If You Feel Sick
No person may participate in the event if they become ill or exhibit any signs and symptoms of COVID-19 during the convening. Forefront reserves the right to refuse entry to any participant who exhibits any symptoms of illness.
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