Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE)

10/12/2026

Thanks to the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board and the 1/2-cent sales tax voted on by Winnebago County residents, we will be hosting our October Community of Practice on Wednesday, 10/21, from 8:30 a.m.- 10 a.m.

We will hear from The Arc of Winnebago, Boone and Ogle Counties about the amazing work they do! There is still time to register; we look forward to seeing you on 10/21.

A Society For All. Equal Access. Equal Participation. Empowerment.

10/06/2026

𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑴𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑴𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏! On Tuesday, October 13, AFP Rockford Area Chapter are hosting Kate Bousum, CFRE, Vice President of Aspire Chicago and Lauren DeSimone of DBD Group who will 𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘀 and help you to 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗞𝗣𝗜'𝘀 and 𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁.

In a world where KPIs and benchmarking are critically important to drive outcomes and communicate impact, and with shrinking resources and staff capacity, Kate and Lauren can help you leverage best practices and data to take your fundraising efforts to the next level. 1 CFRE credit provided.

Date: Tuesday, October 13
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (lunch provided)
Location: NIU Rockford, 8500 E State St
Cost: $25 AFP Members, $30 General Admission

𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝘆 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟵: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/u2srsjd

𝗦𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Registration is now open for the 2026 AFP Rockford Area Chapter Conference! On 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟳, they're bringing fundraising and nonprofit professionals from across the region together at Rock Valley College's Downtown West Campus for a day of learning, connection, fresh ideas, and a little friendly competition. Featured Keynote Speaker Dr. Kristina A. Aloma will share her work on the psychology of storytelling and how to use your words to move people to action. $75 General Admission. Lunch included. Learn more and register: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/afp-rockford-conference

10/02/2026

Join Us to "Help Shape New Humanities Internship Program" on October 6 at NICNE. Nonprofit executive directors, program directors, and team members responsible for internship supervision and staff development should attend.

You're invited to an in-person listening session to explore partnership opportunities with NIU's new Mellon Foundation-funded Humanities Internship Program. RSVP HERE: https://forms.gle/cPju7SfYR6xYbcjQ7

Humanities organizations encompass a diverse range of institutional types dedicated to preserving, researching, and promoting human culture, history, values, and expression; this is especially relevant for museums of all sizes, history organizations, libraries, cultural and ethnic awareness groups, writing and literature organizations, arts councils, archeology organizations, or others in humanities-related fields.

Event Details:
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
8:30–9:30 a.m.
NICNE at NIU Rockford Campus
8500 East State Street

Overview:
Building on NIU’s Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies' decade-long track record of successful internships in the nonprofit sector, they are launching a parallel program that will place up to 40 paid humanities interns annually with nonprofit partners. This is a direct opportunity for your organization to access talented students, build your organizational capacity, and invest in the next generation of nonprofit leaders.

Devon Seward Howland, NIU's new Humanities Internship Coordinator, brings extensive experience in college access, career development, and workforce partnerships. He'll share details about the program structure, internship support, and how your organization can participate.

Event Timing: October 6, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Event Address: NICNE at NIU Rockford | 8500 E State St | Rockford, IL 61108 Questions? Contact us at (815) 753-8793 or [email protected]

10/01/2026

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟵𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗶𝘀. For 50 years, Forefront has served as a trusted resource and leader committed to educating, unifying, and mobilizing the sector in Illinois.

Sebastian Wong and Lacee Winfield will be leading a training on 𝗻𝗼𝗻𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗯𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴. They will share a legislative update and engage in dialogue on how we can work together locally to advocate for the value of our sector and those we serve.

Leaders, board members, staff and volunteers are encouraged to attend; all are welcome!

$20 for NICNE Members, $25 General Admission. Learn more: https://Advocacy-Lobbying-2026.eventbrite.com

10/01/2026

Today is the VERY LAST DAY to nominate outstanding community members and organizations for the 2026 Excalibur and Excelsior awards! Submit your nominations today by 5:00 p.m.

Learn more and complete your nominations for those who are committed to giving back to the community at https://www.excaliburexcelsior.com/nominate

So many individuals and organizations are making a difference in communities across our region, and we are honored to come together to celebrate the great work being done!

NICNE is proud to again partner with the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois and Rockford Register Star | rrstar.com to present this years' awards ceremony, alongside partners including the Rochelle Area Community Foundation, Boone County Community Foundation, and The Foundation for Northwest Illinois.

Save the date for the free community-wide celebration on December 10! 🎉 Registration will go live soon.

We all know a Community Champion. Nominate an individual or an organization to be honored for their commitment to service above self!

09/30/2026

A special thank you to everyone who joined us for our Fall Case Management Training last week! We are so grateful to everyone who took the time to come together, learn, connect, and continue growing in the important work you do every day.

We also want to extend our sincere appreciation to Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board (WCCMHB) for supporting RACMI’s programs through funding from the ½-cent sales tax approved by Winnebago County residents. Your continued support makes these opportunities possible!

We truly couldn’t do what we do without all of you and the dedication you bring to our community. We’re already looking forward to seeing you again in the spring and to continuing our learning with Dr. Beverly Ford!

Remember: You matter. The work you do matters. And the difference you make in our community matters. Thank you for showing up, investing in yourselves, and leading so well. We are grateful to learn and grow alongside you!

09/23/2026

RACMI had the opportunity to hear from The Workforce Connection last week on Wednesday, September 16th at our monthly Community of Practice.

Thank you to the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board and the 1/2 cent sales tax voted on by Winnebago residents for making this programming free to attendees. We appreciate you!

We heard about the valuable programs and support The Workforce Connection offers to their clients. Thanks to everyone who attended and we hope to see you in the future!

09/11/2026

A big thank you to Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board for making our Fall Case Management Training possible! The training will take place on Tuesday, September 22 from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

There is still time - and space - to register! We’d love to see you there. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and strengthen the work we do together to support our community.

This training is offered free of charge to attendees thanks to the continued support of the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board and funding provided through the ½-cent sales tax approved by Winnebago County residents.

We are incredibly grateful for WCCMHB’s continued investment in case management and the professionals who work every day to support individuals and families in our community.

Empower participants to work towards independence and self-sufficiency. Presented by the Rockford Area Case Management Initiative.

06/26/2026

𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸, 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝗽𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗡𝗘'𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗖𝗘𝗢, 𝗣𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗵, 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘀! We engaged area organizations in dialogue around their most pressing needs and challenges to inform our work, and we honored Pam's 35-year career in the sector and 22 years of commitment to NICNE and our broader community as she retires at the end of this month. 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗣𝗮𝗺, 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽.

Thank you to Mayor Thomas McNamara for presenting Pam with a Challenge Coin in recognition of her outstanding community contributions, and to Alderman Tamir Bell for presenting Pam with a Certificate of Recognition for her extraordinary leadership, dedicated service, and lasting legacy of strengthening the Rockford Community.

Pam led with heart, compassion, and a fierce resolve to support nonprofits that represent the soul of our community. As the Founder and CEO of NICNE, her legacy and impact can be seen in stronger organizations, stronger leaders, and a stronger community. 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆!

Please also help us welcome NICNE's new Co-Directors, Deanna Mershon and Billie Callahan, who remain committed to ensuring that organizations have the tools, leadership, and support they need to thrive. Under their leadership, NICNE will continue to convene organizations and partners around our community's most pressing challenges to drive social change and will always be a bold champion and ready partner in advancing collaboration, belonging, and innovation as we work together toward a shared purpose.

Billie Callahan joined the organization in 2018 and most recently served as Chief Operating Officer. Deanna Mershon joined the organization in 2023 and most recently served as Director of the Rockford Area Case Management Initiative. Together, they thank Pam for her leadership, friendship, mentorship, and enduring belief in what our community can achieve together and thank NICNE's Board of Directors and our nonprofit community for their support. They are honored to lead NICNE into its next chapter.

06/03/2026

Join Rock Valley College for their free summer conference focused on "Belonging in Action: From Intent to Impact" on June 11 and June 12!

Activities will include a keynote speaker, engaging breakout sessions, giveaways, performances, and the inaugural Dignity of Belonging Awards.

More than 100 individuals including nonprofit organizations, students, and community members will gather to examine challenges and best practices related to achieving Cultural Excellence and Belonging, creating healthy, inclusive, and accessible work and learning environments. All are welcome!

• Location: Rock Valley College Main Campus - Physical Education Center (PEC) Gym
• Dates: Thursday, June 11, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday, June 12, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Cost: The conference is FREE for attendees and supported by a $20,000 grant from Healing Illinois and in-kind donations from Rock Valley College.

To register, please visit https://bit.ly/4e2z5yD

For more information or to request reasonable accommodations, please contact: RVC Office of Cultural Excellence & Belonging at [email protected].