Forefront’s annual Grantmakers Institute is a cohort-based learning series that helps new grantmakers further their skills and make connections across the philanthropic community in Illinois. Taught by a diverse group of experienced grantmakers, the Institute aims to strengthen the entire sector through sharing best practices, sparking conversation, and building community. Registration includes all four program dates, related materials, and meals during in-person sessions. REGISTER HERE.
Who is the Grantmakers Institute for?
Grantmakers Institute is designed to serve individuals who are new(er) to and currently working in a foundation, corporate giving program, or other philanthropic institution. If you’re unsure whether this is the right program for you, please contact us at [email protected] before signing up.
Session Design
Grantmakers Institute is a multi-session, cohort-based orientation to the field of philanthropy and the core concepts that inform the work of a grantmaking professional. Sessions are facilitated by lead faculty member Mae Hong, Vice President of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, and a diverse faculty of experienced grantmakers from throughout Illinois. Written materials and some slide decks will be provided, but participants should expect to learn primarily through active conversation and reflection with faculty members and peers.
Dates
The 2023 Grantmakers Institute takes place March 21, 22, 23, and 30. Participants will have the most impactful experience if they commit to being part of the cohort, and we strongly encourage attendance at every session. Registration for individual Institute sessions is not available at this time, with the exception of Assessing Nonprofit Financial Health.
Understanding the Sector and Your Role
Tuesday, March 21, 2023 – Noon to 4:00pm and
Wednesday, March 22 – 9:30am to 4:00pm
Location: Forefront’s Chicago office, 200 W Madison St, 2nd Floor
Get situated within the larger context of your work with a dive into the current and historic realities of operating nonprofits, institutional philanthropy, and grantmaking as a profession. Faculty will also ground you in the principles and concepts to consider when building relationships with grantee partners and conducting due diligence.
Assessing Nonprofit Financial Health
Thursday, March 23 – 10:00am to Noon and
Thursday, March 30 – 10:00am to Noon
Location: Virtual
Understanding the financial health of current and prospective grantees is a critical part of the grantmaking process. Focusing on effective approaches to reading and interpreting audited financial statements and the IRS Form 990, these two sessions will equip you to understand grantees’ financial reality, with concepts and tools applicable to grantees across a range of mission areas and business models. If you would like to register for the two day financial health portion of the institute only, you may do so here.
Connecting the Dots
Thursday, March 30 – 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Location: Forefront’s Chicago office, 200 W Madison St, 2nd Floor
The final session of the Institute will focus on insights about some of the aspects of grantmaking that may or may not be in your job description but almost certainly take significant time and effort.
Institute Facilitator: Mae Hong, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors