Every day, thousands of nonprofits in Illinois work hard to strengthen communities and improve lives with the arts, education, healthcare, and human services. Much of this work is invisible and help people who don't live in the limelight. But communities can feel the effects of our sector's work: 1 in 11 people go to work at a nonprofit job, kids go to afterschool programs, families have childcare, parents find shelter, young people are trained for new technologies or find new expression through art, and the economic engine of a community rolls on.

But despite the critical role nonprofits play in our communities, nonprofits are experiencing a double vice-grip, at both the national and state level: the pressures of severe payment and capacity strains as a result of the state's budget deficits and inefficient social service delivery system, as well as increasing scrutiny for its stewardship of public resources and tax exempt status.

These dual pressures have not gone unnoticed. Recently, some have noted it's time to make the case for our sector's value and the contribution we make to the good of our communities. We agree.

With our first statewide Policy Institute on October 15, Donors Forum is bringing together state and national leaders to amplify our voice as a catalyzing advocate for nonprofits and philanthropy in Illinois. In this exciting half day event we'll talk with National Council's Tim Delaney about 'Putting the Pro in Nonprofit' and discussing what gaps decision-makers have about our sector and how we can fill them; then Prof. Chris Mooney from the University of Illinois, Springfield will be talking with Rick Cohen, National Correspondent from The Nonprofit Quarterly and state budget expert Ralph Martire from the Center for Tax Budget Accountability about funding and budget trends that are looming 'On the Horizon' for the sector; and we're excited to cap off the day with Robert Eggers from CForward and DC Central Kitchen and a rallying cry for nonprofit advocacy. With an evening reception under a clear night at the historic Old Statehouse, this Institute is not one to miss!

Join us and add your voice to ours to amplify our sector's value and effectiveness.

 ~ Delia Coleman, Director, Public Policy, Donors Forum