The MSI Fund Is Now Open!

New grant opportunity available through Forefront to cover some of the costs of exploring + implementing strategic partnerships.

Last October, Forefront officially launched the Mission Sustainability Initiative (MSI) with a Learning Summit at Chase Auditorium attended by 500 nonprofit leaders. The MSI offers a full array of information and assistance that includes confidential counseling to nonprofits interested in strategic partnerships, information on the steps of such a process, educational programs, and referrals to pro bono legal assistance and experienced, paid consultants. 
 
Since the Summit:

• Twenty (20) nonprofits have already completed Strategic Restructuring Self-Assessment Tools (SRATs), a resource developed by La Piana Consulting to help nonprofits learn more about partnerships and their readiness to engage in partnerships.
• Thirty-five (35) nonprofit representatives attended “Nonprofit Strategic Partnerships:  Benefits, Pitfalls, and Challenges, and How the MSI Can Help,” a workshop moderated by MSI Director Genita C. Robinson.  
• The MSI has released a Request for Qualifications for Consultants interested in working with potential MSI grantees. The vetted list of consultants will be highlighted on Forefront’ website, although the ultimate decision to select a particular consultant will be the responsibility of the participating nonprofit.
• We have had multiple confidential conversations with nonprofits interested in exploring or implementing strategic partnerships. If your organization is interested in scheduling a meeting or call, you can select a time online or contact Genita at [email protected].

Forefront is excited to announce the next phase in the MSI – the opening of the grants fund. Grants will be awarded to selected nonprofits to cover some of the costs of exploring and implementing strategic partnerships. Grants will be made on a sliding scale from $5,000 to $75,000, although most grants awarded will be for less than the maximum dollar amount. Additional information on the grants process is available on our website.

Learn more about the MSI fund here. 

Forefront is very grateful for the generous support of the following funders, who have made the MSI and the MSI fund possible: Anonymous, Alvin H. Baum Family Fund, The Chicago Community Trust, Community Memorial Foundation, The Cuore E. Mani Foundation, The Dunham Fund, Fidelity Charitable Fund, JPMorgan Chase, Pierce Family Foundation, Polk Bros. Foundation, The Reva and David Logan Foundation, Robert R. McCormick Foundation, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, Walter S. Mander Foundation