ACN has a partnership with Forefront, Illinois’ statewide association that represents grantmakers and nonprofits, as well as their advisors and allies. 

Forefront is a wealth of resources for both early stage and established nonprofits, with opportunities such as an onsite Library housing an extensive physical collection of books and journals on nonprofit topics (plus a newly-added database of ebooks for remote access). 

They can conduct searches of foundation directory online, provide grants/grantee lists and run wealth profiles and reports. They also provide templates and samples for nonprofit topics such as board policies. And both members and non-members can book a research appointment with one of their consultants. 

Members can take advantage of job posting opportunities, including salary/benefits research as well as in-person and online professional development on best practices, grantmaking, leadership, fundraising, developing talent, board engagement and evaluation. They also offer an ICAT capacity assessment survey tool (free yearly for members). 

ACN hosts joint events with Forefront and we also have a special membership category for Forefront members. 

We are grateful to Forefront for helping us to empower the local nonprofit community.