Forefront has launched a new form to report impact of federal changes. Recent Executive Orders (EOs) and other actions taken by federal entities are causing harm, confusion, and disruption among foundations, nonprofits, communities, and people in Illinois. Forefront is now collecting stories of impact to inform our conversations with policymakers at the federal, state, and local levels. We want to understand how the EOs are disrupting work, impacting people, and changing practice. Submit your response at the post link.
Forefront Membership provides you with the resources and services you need to meet your mission today, and deepen your impact in the future. Discover the full breadth of benefits and become a member today! Link in bio.
Strengthen your nonprofit in 2026!
Join Forefront’s six-week Nonprofit Capacity Building Cohort to build stronger boards, finances, fundraising plans, and evaluation systems—with Forefront Memberships included and optional Impact Capacity Assessments. June 23–July 28. Limited spots! Link in bio.
We’re grateful to IFF, a nonprofit lender and real estate consultant, for their partnership and sponsorship in making this program possible.
We are thrilled to announce that Monique B. Jones, LCSW, has joined First Women's Bank's advisory board!
Monique is currently the fourth President & CEO of Forefront, Illinois’ premier organization dedicated to supporting philanthropy and nonprofits. Her innovative approach is transforming the sector, exemplified by initiatives like Converge Consulting, which provides essential financial services to businesses statewide. During her previous tenure as President & CEO of the Evanston Community Foundation, Monique led incredible growth, increasing assets significantly and launching the groundbreaking Evanston Reparations Community Fund—the first of its kind. Her leadership during the COVID-19 crisis showcased her dedication to community resilience, raising over $6 million for urgent needs.
A visionary leader and a nationally respected voice on mental health, philanthropy, and racial equity, Monique's journey is nothing short of inspiring. As a Multiple Sclerosis warrior, she brings not only her expertise but also her lived experience to the forefront of advocacy, challenging us all to rethink how leadership, health, and equity intertwine.
Her remarkable accolades, including recognition as a 2025 Moxie Honoree and a 2025 Women of Power Honoree, reflect her commitment to creating a more equitable world. Together, we look forward to leveraging her expertise to drive impactful change!
#Leadership #FWBAdvisoryBoard #Philanthropy #WelcomeMonique #SocialImpact
Recently, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) was indicted on federal fraud charges including wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, by the US Department of Justice (DOJ). Forefront remains committed to the advancement of racial equity and civil rights in our state and nation, and we stand in solidarity with SPLC while they defend themselves against this investigation. Read the full statement here: /articles/splcstatement/
Today is the first day of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Forefront's third annual Racial Equity Leaders Lunch is on May 11th at the Chicago Cultural Center. Just a week away!
In that honor, we look forward to working across sectors to strengthen our democracy and immersing in South Asian food culture with catering provided by Ashyana Baquets and entertainment provided by Funkadesi.
Travel stipends are still available for those traveling over 100 miles. Today is the last day to register! https://bit.ly/4ufh6fx)
Join Forefront's Racial Equity Collective as we convene leaders from across Illinois and the nation for a discussion on Strengthening Our Democracy. One of our panelists is Venu Gupta.
Venu Gupta serves as Executive Director of the @chicagocivilrights , where she leads one of the Midwest's most effective civil rights legal organizations. Venu brings more than 20 years of experience driving impact for organizations working on social justice and racial equity.
Please register at the link in bio to secure your spot.
Join Forefront at our Annual Racial Equity Leaders Lunch on May 11th at the Chicago Cultural Center. Connect with peers from across the state in roundtable conversations on topics that matter most to you. Guests traveling more than 100 miles to Chicago and who reside in Illinois can offset their travel with a $250 stipend, courtesy of Healing Illinois.
Deadline to register is this Friday, May 1st. Tickets at the link in bio.
NEW RESOURCE: Our national partners at the National Council of Nonprofits compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions that we hear about nonprofits. /frequently-asked-questions-about-nonprofits
Forefront Members gain access to a powerful community of over 500 member organizations: grantmakers, nonprofits, advisors, social entrepreneurs, and allies. As a Member, you will build the connections and partnerships that will help you and your organization grow. Become a member today! Visit the link in bio.
Boost your knowledge and connect with fellow nonprofit leaders, including our Manager of Knowledge Services, Christina Caputo, at The Nonprofit Exchange on April 29th at 9:00 a.m. at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library.
Forefront, Illinois Partners for Human Service, and New Moms came together to publish an opinion piece in the Chicago Tribune highlighting the danger of the General Service Administration’s propose rule that would make consequential changes to the certifications nonprofits must sign to access federal grants and dollars. Nonprofits often are the ones providing crucial community resources when government cannot, and this proposal from the federal government could have detrimental effects on the sector and the populations we work to serve and uplift. Read more at the link in bio.
