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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250404T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250404T094500
DTSTAMP:20260607T231418
CREATED:20250130T221805Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250130T221805Z
UID:2964103-1743757200-1743759900@myforefront.org
SUMMARY:Forefront Member Briefing and Office Hour (Virtual)
DESCRIPTION:The news is coming fast and furious\, and it can be difficult to parse what requires action on your part. During these confusing and challenging times\, you can count on Forefront to provide space to connect and make sense of things. \nJoin fellow Forefront members for an opportunity to digest recent federal and local updates\, gather and share resources\, and connect with social impact sector colleagues. \nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://myforefront.org/event/forefront-member-briefing-and-office-hour-virtual-8/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advisor Program,Grantmaker Program,Nonprofit Program
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250408T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250408T100000
DTSTAMP:20260607T231418
CREATED:20250311T213424Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250317T205730Z
UID:2964699-1744102800-1744106400@myforefront.org
SUMMARY:Phi Club of IL: Corporate Dollars For Good (Virtual)
DESCRIPTION:In today’s rapidly evolving social climate\, nonprofits must diversify both their portfolios and partnerships to stay resilient. Join us on April 8th as we explore how to build and leverage corporate partnerships to drive greater social and community impact. \nModerators:  \nJessica Harris\, Founder & CEO\, The JRH Effect \nNdidi A. Okakpu\, CFRE\, President & CEO\, N. Okakpu Consulting \nPanelists: \nJeNyce Boolton\, VP\, Midwest Region Community Affairs Manager\, U.S. Bank \nSarah Glavin\, Head of Community Affairs\, Amazon \nSteven Shaw\, Community Engagement Director\, Verizon \nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://myforefront.org/event/phi-club-corporate-dollars-for-good-virtual/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advisor Program,General Public,Grantmaker Program,Nonprofit Program
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250408T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250408T143000
DTSTAMP:20260607T231418
CREATED:20250204T192255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250204T192255Z
UID:2964204-1744117200-1744122600@myforefront.org
SUMMARY:Introduction to Fundraising Planning (Virtual)
DESCRIPTION:This webinar is hosted with our partners at Candid. \nDoes your organization need help directing its fundraising efforts? Planning focuses your organization by setting fundraising priorities and helps give staff and board members a roadmap to success. \nThis introductory class will provide you the basic steps for developing a fundraising plan\, including tips on: \n\nMaking your case for support\nDiversifying your organization’s fundraising base\nCreating a plan of action\n\nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://myforefront.org/event/introduction-to-fundraising-planning-virtual/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:General Public,Nonprofit Program
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250410T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250410T160000
DTSTAMP:20260607T231418
CREATED:20250206T210008Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250305T232242Z
UID:2964291-1744275600-1744300800@myforefront.org
SUMMARY:Grantmakers Institute 2025
DESCRIPTION: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. \nGrantmakers Institute is designed to serve individuals who are new(er) to and currently working in a foundation\, corporate giving program\, or other philanthropic institution. \nThe 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. \nThursday\, April 10\n9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Understanding the Sector and Your Role\nGet 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. \nThursday\, April 17\n9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Assessing Nonprofit Financial Health (Part 1)\n12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Lunch\n1:00-4:00 p.m. Understanding the Sector and Your Role\nUnderstanding 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. \nThursday\, April 24\n9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Assessing Nonprofit Financial Health (Part 2)\n12:00 -1:00 p.m. Lunch\n1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Understanding the Sector and Your Role  \nTuesday\, April 29\n10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Connecting the Dots\n4:30 -6:00 p.m.
Optional happy hour\nThe 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. \nForefront Member registration: $750\nForefront Not-Yet-Member registration: $1\,200 \nNot sure if your organization is a current member? Email us at registration@myforefront.org \nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://myforefront.org/event/grantmakers-institute-2025/
LOCATION:Forefront Office c/o Impact House\, 200 West Madison Street\, Second Floor\, Chicago\, IL\, 60606\, United States
CATEGORIES:General Public,Grantmaker Program
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250410T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250410T200000
DTSTAMP:20260607T231418
CREATED:20250127T182620Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T182620Z
UID:2963848-1744308000-1744315200@myforefront.org
SUMMARY:Critical Conversations Anti-Racism session: The Continuum of Harm (Virtual)
DESCRIPTION:From February through June of 2025\, the Chicago Poetry Center is offering free online Critical Conversations: Anti-Racism sessions open to any Illinois nonprofit organization employee or volunteer. \nDrawing on CPC’s decades of workshop facilitation\, Critical Conversations use poetry as a springboard to increase belonging and inclusion in the workplace. By centering the dialogue on lived experiences reflected in poems\, the process launches transformative discussions without requiring those most violently and directly affected by racism to tell or retell their stories of trauma and resilience. \nEach session is led by two trained and racially diverse facilitators. Sessions include exploration of a theme related to racial justice through discussion of contemporary poems\, sharing of personal experiences\, and guided writing practice. No prior poetry experience or education is needed! \nTwo types of Critical Conversations sessions will be offered through this program: Belonging and Inclusion\, and The Continuum of Harm. Participants may register for one Belonging and Inclusion session and one Continuum of Harm session. \nAll participants will also receive access to the Continuing Practice Guide\, which provides all of the materials and guidance needed for pairs or small groups to engage in additional self-guided discussions around racism and its impact on their lives and workplaces using poetry as the center and launch point. \nAccessibility: The session will take place over zoom and will be live captioned. \nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://myforefront.org/event/critical-conversations-anti-racism-session-the-continuum-of-harm-virtual-2/
LOCATION:Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250411T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250411T094500
DTSTAMP:20260607T231418
CREATED:20250130T221935Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250130T221935Z
UID:2964111-1744362000-1744364700@myforefront.org
SUMMARY:Forefront Member Briefing and Office Hour (Virtual)
DESCRIPTION:The news is coming fast and furious\, and it can be difficult to parse what requires action on your part. During these confusing and challenging times\, you can count on Forefront to provide space to connect and make sense of things. \nJoin fellow Forefront members for an opportunity to digest recent federal and local updates\, gather and share resources\, and connect with social impact sector colleagues. \nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://myforefront.org/event/forefront-member-briefing-and-office-hour-virtual-9/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advisor Program,Grantmaker Program,Nonprofit Program
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250415T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250415T140000
DTSTAMP:20260607T231418
CREATED:20250307T165131Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250307T175846Z
UID:2964678-1744722000-1744725600@myforefront.org
SUMMARY:CCAPS Changes to Education Policy - Discussion with Local Leaders
DESCRIPTION:Register Here \n  \nThere have been a number of changes to education policy communicated by the Federal government over the past weeks. Please join us to as we hear from local education leaders on how their institutions are responding and to help both funders and practitioners consider how they might respond or engage. \n  \nSpeakers  \nRebecca Clarkin\, Executive Director\, Children First Fund \nVeronica Herrero\, Chief Strategy Officer\, City Colleges of Chicago \nErin Steva\, Vice President – External Affairs\, Chicago State University \n  \nModerator \nDinaz Mansuri\, Executive Director\, The Mayer and Morris Kaplan Family Foundation
URL:https://myforefront.org/event/ccaps-changes-to-education-policy-discussion-with-local-leaders/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Advisor Program,General Public,Grantmaker Program,Nonprofit Program
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250418T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250418T094500
DTSTAMP:20260607T231418
CREATED:20250130T225415Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250130T225415Z
UID:2964121-1744966800-1744969500@myforefront.org
SUMMARY:Forefront Member Briefing and Office Hour (Virtual)
DESCRIPTION:The news is coming fast and furious\, and it can be difficult to parse what requires action on your part. During these confusing and challenging times\, you can count on Forefront to provide space to connect and make sense of things. \nJoin fellow Forefront members for an opportunity to digest recent federal and local updates\, gather and share resources\, and connect with social impact sector colleagues. \nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://myforefront.org/event/forefront-member-briefing-and-office-hour-virtual-10/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advisor Program,Grantmaker Program,Nonprofit Program
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250418T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250418T120000
DTSTAMP:20260607T231418
CREATED:20250127T182841Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T182841Z
UID:2963853-1744970400-1744977600@myforefront.org
SUMMARY:Critical Conversations Anti-Racism session: Belonging & Inclusion (Virtual)
DESCRIPTION:From February through June of 2025\, the Chicago Poetry Center is offering free online Critical Conversations: Anti-Racism sessions open to any Illinois nonprofit organization employee or volunteer. \nDrawing on CPC’s decades of workshop facilitation\, Critical Conversations use poetry as a springboard to increase belonging and inclusion in the workplace. By centering the dialogue on lived experiences reflected in poems\, the process launches transformative discussions without requiring those most violently and directly affected by racism to tell or retell their stories of trauma and resilience. \nEach session is led by two trained and racially diverse facilitators. Sessions include exploration of a theme related to racial justice through discussion of contemporary poems\, sharing of personal experiences\, and guided writing practice. No prior poetry experience or education is needed! \nTwo types of Critical Conversations sessions will be offered through this program: Belonging and Inclusion\, and The Continuum of Harm. Participants may register for one Belonging and Inclusion session and one Continuum of Harm session. \nAll participants will also receive access to the Continuing Practice Guide\, which provides all of the materials and guidance needed for pairs or small groups to engage in additional self-guided discussions around racism and its impact on their lives and workplaces using poetry as the center and launch point. \nAccessibility: The session will take place over zoom and will be live captioned. \nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://myforefront.org/event/critical-conversations-anti-racism-session-belonging-inclusion-virtual-3/
LOCATION:Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250421T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250421T170000
DTSTAMP:20260607T231418
CREATED:20250328T162613Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250403T200936Z
UID:2964957-1745249400-1745254800@myforefront.org
SUMMARY:Nonprofit Executive Director Roundtable: Scenario Planning for Uncertain Times (Virtual)
DESCRIPTION:Nonprofit Executive Director Roundtable: Scenario Planning for Uncertain Times \nSince January of this year\, nonprofits have had to face a new political reality – one that is having a significant effect on the finances\, programs\, advocacy\, and existence of many nonprofits\, especially those who serve marginalized communities.  \nJoin Mary Anderson\, Principal of Penchina Partners\, a values-driven consultancy grounded in social justice movements that focuses on helping make nonprofits more impactful\, efficient\, and resilient. Mary will suggest concrete actions and strategies for nonprofits and discuss the current and potential federal actions that affect the nonprofit sector. \nExecutive Directors from nonprofit organizations are invited to attend. \nCost: \nForefront Nonprofit Members: Free \nNot-yet-member tickets:  $45 \nNot sure if you’re a current member of Forefront? Before registering\, email us at registration@myforefront.org to confirm your membership status. \nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://myforefront.org/event/nonprofit-executive-director-roundtable-virtual/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:General Public,Nonprofit Program
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250422T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250422T130000
DTSTAMP:20260607T231418
CREATED:20250204T164734Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250204T165618Z
UID:2964184-1745316000-1745326800@myforefront.org
SUMMARY:Reframing Problems for Social Change (Virtual)
DESCRIPTION:How do we get ourselves unstuck? Social issues are complex\, and almost always interconnected. Forefront and Greater Good Studio are partnering to create a space to think about how we solve big social issues. How can nonprofits and grantmakers think about our partnerships in a new way? What if we can step back and plan for the ways our work intersects and can potentially support greater impact for good in our communities? \nGreater Good Studio has been working with social sector clients to reframe problems for the past 12 years. We find that the original problem statement often has one or more of the following issues: \n\nIt’s focused entirely on symptoms\, while root causes continue undeterred\nIt’s centering the wrong humans\, or no humans at all\nIt’s so vast that the only thing it inspires is overwhelm\n\nWhether you’re a designer looking to make a positive impact or a changemaker looking to get unstuck\, this workshop will give you concrete tools for starting or restarting your projects in a more strategic\, action-oriented\, and equitable way. \nYou will learn and practice methods for: \n\nMapping root causes\nWriting positive goals\nCentering the humans most impacted\n\nGreater Good Studio’s co-founder\, George Aye\, will facilitate this live\, 3-hour workshop. They have applied these methods to hundreds of projects across the social sector\, including in education\, community development\, public health and healthcare\, economic inclusion\, civic participation\, and arts & culture. \nTickets:  \n\nForefront Members w/budget under $2million: $10\nForefront Members w/budget over $2million: $25\nNon-member ticket: $50\n\nNot sure if you’re a current member of Forefront? Before registering\, email us at registration@myforefront.org to confirm your membership status. \nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://myforefront.org/event/reframing-problems-for-social-change-virtual-3/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:General Public
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250425T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250425T094500
DTSTAMP:20260607T231418
CREATED:20250414T172533Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T172533Z
UID:2965105-1745571600-1745574300@myforefront.org
SUMMARY:Forefront Member Briefing and Office Hour (Virtual)
DESCRIPTION:The news is coming fast and furious\, and it can be difficult to parse what requires action on your part. During these confusing and challenging times\, you can count on Forefront to provide space to connect and make sense of things. \nJoin fellow Forefront members for an opportunity to digest recent federal and local updates\, gather and share resources\, and connect with social impact sector colleagues. \nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://myforefront.org/event/forefront-member-briefing-and-office-hour-virtual-11/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advisor Program,Grantmaker Program,Nonprofit Program
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250429T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250429T180000
DTSTAMP:20260607T231418
CREATED:20250325T201248Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T205200Z
UID:2964898-1745944200-1745949600@myforefront.org
SUMMARY:2025 Grantmakers Institute Happy Hour
DESCRIPTION:Forefront and the Chicago Chapter of Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy (EPIP) are excited to co-host a happy hour celebrating the newest cohort of Grantmakers Institute participants. This event offers a chance to learn more about EPIP programs and\, most importantly\, to network and connect with fellow grantmaking professionals. Light snacks and drinks will be provided. \nThis event is intended for current cohort members\, alumni of the Grantmakers Institute\, and grantmakers with 0-10 years of experience in the philanthropy field. \nRegister here. \n 
URL:https://myforefront.org/event/2025-grantmakers-institute-happy-hour/
LOCATION:Private: Impact House\, 200 West Madison Street\, Classroom 2D\, Chicago\, IL\, 60606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Grantmaker Program
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250430T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250503T170000
DTSTAMP:20260607T231418
CREATED:20241016T175853Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241016T180244Z
UID:2962231-1746000000-1746291600@myforefront.org
SUMMARY:The Justice Journey Experience for Foundation Leaders
DESCRIPTION:The Justice Journey Alliance\, Leadership Foundation of Chicago and Forefront’s Family Foundations Network invites foundation leaders on a journey that is truly life changing. While we may agree that America suffers from systemic racism\, we may not fully appreciate its deep roots in our society and its damaging effects on our communities. To serve visionary foundation leaders who want to move toward racial equality in the world\, we have developed a four-day The Bridge to Equal Rights immersion experience\, where we will visit key Civil Rights sites in the South\, hear from social justice experts\, and imagine a society where equality is a reality. The goal is to empower justice advocates to develop and take action steps that can lead to lasting change in the world. \nThe tour\, which traces key landmarks of the civil rights movement\, will take place from April 30 to May 3. It will begin in Atlanta\, Georgia\, with stops in Selma\, Birmingham\, and Montgomery\, Alabama. Upon completing your registration\, you will receive a link to book your reservation with Justice Journey Alliance. \nThis event is open to Funders only.
URL:https://myforefront.org/event/the-justice-journey-experience-for-foundation-leaders/
CATEGORIES:Grantmaker Program
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250430T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250430T120000
DTSTAMP:20260607T231418
CREATED:20250326T203032Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250326T204543Z
UID:2964927-1746007200-1746014400@myforefront.org
SUMMARY:Planning for Financial Resilience in Uncertain Times (Virtual)
DESCRIPTION:As the funding landscape and operating environment undergo rapid change\, nonprofit organizations are confronting significant challenges and uncertainty. Many organizations are facing decisions about how to move forward and recalibrate their business models. In this session\, we will explore ways in which organizational leaders—both board and staff—can work to achieve financial resilience at this time of reimagined service delivery\, operations\, and resource generation. \nTopics will include understanding the intersection of strategic and financial planning. \nCost: \nForefront members with budget under $2M – $20\nForefront members with budget over $2M – $30\nNot-yet-members – $45 \nNot sure if you’re a current member of Forefront? Before registering\, email us at registration@myforefront.org to confirm your membership status. \nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://myforefront.org/event/planning-for-financial-resilience-in-uncertain-times-virtual/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:Advisor Program,General Public,Nonprofit Program
END:VEVENT
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