Forefront

Forefront Forefront is building a vibrant social impact sector for all the people of Illinois.

Forefront builds a vibrant social impact sector for all the people of Illinois. Forefront is the nation’s only statewide membership association that includes nonprofits and grantmakers, as well as public agencies, advisors, B corps, and social enterprises. We provide education, advocacy, thought leadership, and facilitate collective action around issues that are important to our Members and to the social purpose sector.

Forefront offices and services will be closed on Monday, May 25th in observation of Memorial Day.
05/25/2026

Forefront offices and services will be closed on Monday, May 25th in observation of Memorial Day.

Is your organization hiring? Forefront members can post to our online job board. Become a member now to access this bene...
05/22/2026

Is your organization hiring? Forefront members can post to our online job board. Become a member now to access this benefit. https://myforefront.org/join/

It was our pleasure to host Forefront's third annual Racial Equity Leaders Lunch last week. Our esteemed speakers - Illi...
05/19/2026

It was our pleasure to host Forefront's third annual Racial Equity Leaders Lunch last week.

Our esteemed speakers - Illinois Attorney General, The Honorable Kwame Raoul, Lawrence Benito of Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Venu Gupta of Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights, Amanda Hwu of Illinois Community Power Fund, and moderator, Kayce Ataiyero of The Joyce Foundation gave advice and guidance on building community, increasing equity, and strengthening our democracy. We thank our community members for their presence and attention.

This event was sponsored by Healing Illinois Illinois Arts Council and The Joyce Foundation. We thank them for their partnership and sponsorship in making this program possible.

A full recap is forthcoming!

Forefront Membership provides you with the resources and services you need to meet your mission today, and deepen your i...
05/15/2026

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! https://bit.ly/JoinForefront

Strengthen your nonprofit in 2026! Join Forefront’s six-week Nonprofit Capacity Building Cohort to build stronger boards...
05/11/2026

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! https://bit.ly/4we79jG

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 curr...
05/11/2026

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!

Recently, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) was indicted on federal fraud charges including wire fraud, bank fraud,...
05/06/2026

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: https://myforefront.org/articles/splcstatement/

Today is the first day of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Forefront's third annual Racial Equity ...
05/01/2026

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 ...
05/01/2026

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 Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights, 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 here (https://bit.ly/4ufh6fx) to secure your spot.

Join Forefront at our Annual Racial Equity Leaders Lunch on May 11th at the Chicago Cultural Center. Connect with peers ...
04/30/2026

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 here: https://bit.ly/4ufh6fx

Address

200 W. Madison, 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL
60606

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Forefront posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Forefront:

Shortcuts

Share

Category