Forefront (Illinois) Information

Forefront builds a vibrant social impact sector for all the people of Illinois. Founded in 1974, we are the nation’s only statewide membership association for nonprofits, philanthropy, public agencies, advisors, and our allies. We provide education, advocacy, thought leadership, and project management to attract investment to the sector, develop top talent, improve systems and policies, and build organizational capacity. Currently, our Members number over 1,100. Our Nonprofit Members work in 26 issue areas across the state. Our Grantmaking Members include private foundations, such as family and independent foundations, public charities, corporations, donor-advised funds, charitable trusts, and individual philanthropists. Our Advisor Members include consultants, attorneys, investment managers, and other professional advisors to grantmakers and nonprofits. We also actively engage social entrepreneurs, impact investors, and B-Corps in our work to spur innovation in the sector. Together, our efforts help educate children, shelter the homeless, enrich the arts, and address a host of other critical issues to create healthier and more vibrant communities throughout Illinois.