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.
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.
The 2025 Grantmakers Institute takes place April 10, 17, 24, and 29. All sessions of this institute are in-person at Forefront’s Chicago office, 200 W Madison St, 2nd Floor. Participants will have the most impactful experience if they commit to being part of the cohort, and we strongly encourage attendance at every session.
Thursday, April 10
9:00am-4:00pm Understanding the Sector and Your Role
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.
Thursday, April 17
9:00am-12:00pm Assessing Nonprofit Financial Health (Part 1)
12:00pm-1:00pm Lunch
1:00pm-4:00pm Understanding the Sector and Your Role
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 (session two below) will equip you to understand grantees’ financial reality, with concepts and tools applicable to grantees across a range of mission areas and business models.
Thursday, April 24
9:00am-12:00pm Assessing Nonprofit Financial Health (Part 2)
12:00pm-1:00pm Lunch
1:00pm-4pm Understanding the Sector and Your Role
Tuesday, April 29
10:00am-4:30pm Connecting the Dots
4:30pm-6:00pm
: Optional happy hour
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.
Forefront Member registration: $750
Forefront Not-Yet-Member registration: $1,200
Not sure if your organization is a current member? Email us at [email protected]