Blurb about why Forefront rocks, caption for photo

 

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. If you’re unsure whether this is the right program for you, please contact us at Registration@MyForefront.org before registering.

To learn more about the pedagogy and practice of the Grantmakers Institute, please contact Lisa May Simpson, Chief of Staff, at LSimpson@MyForefront.org

Session Dates

• Thursday, April 25
• Friday, April 26
• Wednesday, May 1
• Tuesday, May 7

The 2024 Grantmakers Institute takes place April 25, 26, May 1, and May 7. Participants will have the most impactful experience if they commit to being part of the cohort, and we strongly encourage attendance at every session.

Session Content 

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.

Thursday, April 25 – 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Friday, April 26 – 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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.

Part 1: Wednesday, May 1 – 10:00 a.m. to noon
Location: Virtual

Part 2: Tuesday, May 7 – 9:00 a.m. to noon
Location: Forefront’s Chicago office, 200 W Madison St, 2nd Floor

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.

Tuesday, May 7 – Noon to 3:30 p.m.
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.

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