EACI - Forefront

Strengthening nonprofits in preparing for and managing government funding

The Equitable Access & Capacity Initiative (EACI) is a collaborative effort, delivered in partnership between BDO, Forefront, and IFF, to support Illinois nonprofit organizations in preparing for and managing government funding and assist nonprofits in building more holistically healthy financial systems and practices that support impactful program delivery.

OUR Why

With the influx of federal funds such as through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), more nonprofit organizations may be thinking about adding government funding to their revenue models or strengthening their infrastructure to align with current funding. We are here to support nonprofits in navigating what is needed to apply for and successfully manage government funding, which may require systems and reporting beyond what your nonprofit has today.

We serve YOU

EACI includes support open to all nonprofit organizations operating in Illinois, as well as support made available by invitation from EACI funding partners. For program elements with limited resources or capacity, we will prioritize organizations that are led by Black, Indigenous, Latina/e/o, and other People of Color (BILPOC) and serve communities impacted by historic disinvestment.

Understanding Liquidity & Cash Flow Management

Maintaining adequate cash flow is a key component of ensuring the financial health and stability of any nonprofit organization. In this workshop, we will explore how cash is a critical component of an organization’s capital structure and discuss strategies to maximize positive cash flow. This workshop will take participants through a step-by-step process to project future cash flow, with an emphasis on the cross-functional team collaboration necessary to create and update projections. As a takeaway, participants will be provided with a tool to calculate key liquidity metrics for their own organizations as well as a template for creating cash flow projections. REGISTER HERE.

Resources + Funding For ALL

EACI provides resources and support to help nonprofits pursue or manage current government grants. Working with community organizations and government agencies, EACI has compiled assessment and preparation tools, workshops, and funding opportunities that will help nonprofits successfully maximize and manage federal funding.

EACI recommends that nonprofits complete the Self-Assessment Tool to reflect on and assess areas critical to the type of knowledge and infrastructure support it may need to effectively access, apply for, or manage government funding.

TOOLS

Self Assessment Tool

The Self-Assessment tool is designed to assess the fiscal infrastructure for your organization. The goal of the tool is to ask key questions that will allow your organization to reflect on and assess areas critical to the type of knowledge and infrastructure support it may need to effectively access, apply for, or manage government funding.

Federal Recovery Funds Dashboard

The Chicago Community Trust, in partnership with Urban Institute, developed an online dashboard to provide a sightline into how the City of Chicago, Cook County, and the State of Illinois are spending unprecedented federal funding to address community investment, housing, workforce development, household investment, and community safety.

Mission Sustainability Initiative (MSI)

The Mission Sustainability Initiative (MSI) at Forefront is dedicated to helping nonprofits thrive by providing the resources for leaders to regularly and thoughtfully explore collaboration and partnership strategies. Holistic support solutions include confidential conversations, educational programming, community convening, vetted consultant lists, toolkits, and opportunities to apply for funding.

RECORDING: Deciphering GATA and Finding Related Resources: Live Training with GOMB Experts

Recording of webinar with Forefront, Illinois Partners for Human Service, and the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) as they walk users through the pre-award process to become GATA (Grant Accountability and Transparency Act) pre-qualified. This training intuitively guides our community partners through every step of the application process while providing a high level overview of how to successfully respond to a grant application with helpful tips. Download slide deck here. Password: 4gk6=ivn

Assessing Remaining COVID-19 Relief Funds (webinar recording)

On January 30, 2024, the networks of the National Council of Nonprofits hosted a special, nationwide webinar to make sure charitable nonprofits know they are eligible for these resources and know how to access them before it’s too late. We were joined by Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo to kick off the discussion of how nonprofits can access remaining Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act. He and other speakers addressed the availability of these funds, priorities that deserve special attention, and examples of what works.

Funding Opportunity Assessment Tool

A new grant or contract can be vital to funding your organization's programs--but brings responsibilities and risks as well. This tool will help you evaluate whether a funding opportunity makes strategic sense and is feasible for your organization.

Grant Accountability and Transparency Act

GATA provides the provision of effective and efficient oversight of the selection and monitoring of grant recipients, ensuring quality programs, limiting fraud, waste and abuse, and defining the purpose, scope, applicability and responsibilities in the life cycle of a grant for the state of Illinois.

StrongNonprofits.org

Organizations with strong financial management are better able to fulfill their mission and deliver high-quality services. With Fiscal Management Associates (FMA), a leading financial management consultant for nonprofits, we've created this library of resources to help your organization become "fiscally fit."

How to Develop and Write a Grant Proposal

The Congressional Research Service wrote a report for Members of Congress and staff to assist constituents in their districts in accessing grants. The paper covers writing proposals for both government and private foundation grants. It first summarizes preliminary information-gathering and preparation, developing ideas for the proposal, gathering community support, identifying funding resources, and seeking preliminary review of the proposal and support of relevant administrative officials. It next provides tips for writing a proposal.

Strengthening State and Local Economies in Partnership with Nonprofits

A report from the National Council of Nonprofits that provides substantive guidance to governments and solutions for nonprofits seeking support from the American Rescue Plan Act funds.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

City of Chicago Funding Opportunities

The Chicago Recovery Plan invests over $1.9 billion in new and existing initiatives. Over the lifespan of the Chicago Recovery Plan, there will be frequent opportunities to partner with Chicago organizations and we look forward to these partnerships.

Greater Chicago Together ARPA Grant Hub

This is the central hub page for grant opportunities currently available through the State of Illinois, Cook County and City of Chicago. Learn about each grant, eligibility criteria, deadlines, applications and more. Check back frequently as more grant opportunities are made available.

City of Chicago Non-profit Capacity Building

Nonprofit organizations saw a significant decrease in funding sources while experiencing increased costs and requests for assistance. BACP will offer grant opportunities to aid these organizations recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Justice Advisory Council Grants

The Cook County Justice Advisory Council (JAC) awards grants in the areas of Violence Prevention, Services for Returning Residents as well as other areas of need. The overarching goal of the JAC's grantmaking is to increase access to services that increase community safety and reduce reliance on incarceration.

Cook County Justice Advisory Council Grants

The Cook County Justice Advisory Council (JAC) awards grants in the areas of Violence Prevention, Services for Returning Residents as well as other areas of need. The overarching goal of the JAC's grantmaking is to increase access to services that increase community safety and reduce reliance on incarceration.

Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority Funding Opportunities

The Federal & State Grants Unit (FSGU) administers grant programs overseen by ICJIA. Authorized to receive and disburse grant money, ICJIA also is responsible for assuring compliance with federal and state regulations. ICJIA began administering federal grants in 1985, following the passage of the Justice Assistance Act and the Victims of Crime Act by Congress.

The Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA)

The Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) is a single, authoritative, statewide, comprehensive source document of State financial assistance program information.

Reach Out

For questions and additional information about the The Equitable Access & Capacity Initiative (EACI), please contact EACI@myforefront.org.

Special thanks to EACI’s funding partners. To support this work, contact development@myforefront.org.