The Nonprofit Corner supports nonprofit leaders doing the hard work every day, connecting you with tools, insights, and mentorship to strengthen fundraising, financial skills, and impact – empowering you to serve your community with purpose and heart.
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LinkedIn for Nonprofits Resource Hub is a free collection of guides, best practices, and expert advice from LinkedIn to help nonprofit organizations grow their presence on LinkedIn — including tips on hiring, content, networking, fundraising, and building your nonprofit’s brand and impact on the platform.
It’s the Ashoka Changemaker Index™ (CMI) — a free digital tool from Ashoka that lets individuals, schools, teams, and organizations assess and develop their changemaking skills, access learning resources, and track progress toward positive social and environmental impact.
The O’Shaughnessy Fellowships & Grants award $100,000 to researchers, builders, and creatives to turn bold ideas into reality—100% ownership, no equity, committees, or thesis. One-year program.
Apply by April 30, 2026.
The National Foster Care Innovation Challenge offers $800,000 for nonprofits and social enterprises advancing foster care solutions. Nonprofits compete for $700,000 in grants; one for-profit receives a $100,000 investment.
Apply by April 17, 2026.
Right to Be’s upcoming free trainings offer skills in conflict de-escalation, bystander intervention, and building safe, respectful, and inclusive environments for workplaces and communities.
This Aon article explains how private and nonprofit organizations can evaluate Directors & Officers insurance options, balancing control, legal strategy, and coverage needs to ensure the policy works effectively if a claim arises. Learn More Here…
What does it mean to lead well when being “good” no longer works? This question sat at the center of a recent brunch conversation at ALTAR Community in Chicago, bringing women together for an intimate, candid exploration of leadership, self-trust, and inner alignment. In conversation with author and thought…
Growth Corp is a nonprofit SBA 504 lender that helps small businesses access long-term fixed-rate financing for commercial real estate and equipment to support growth and job creation.
Grants.gov makes it easier for nonprofits and government partners to find and apply for federal grants by centralizing opportunities and streamlining the application process.
A clear, organized checklist helps nonprofits stay on track and reduce stress leading up to an event. This list can be adapted for first-time events, annual gatherings, and large-scale galas. This checklist is designed to bring clarity, confidence, and consistency to nonprofit event planning. By breaking the process into manageable…
Nonprofit events—whether intimate community programs or major fundraising galas—are powerful tools for deepening engagement, raising resources, and advancing mission-driven work. The following best practices support organizations at every stage, from planning your first event to elevating a large annual gala. Core Best Practices for All Nonprofit Events Successful nonprofit events…
When I left the corporate world, many people were surprised. They often asked why I’d make the switch—and quickly told me how wonderful it was that I was leaving corporate America “to do good.” That’s when I realized something troubling: we’ve created a narrative that says if you work for…
Somercor provides loans, grants, and advisory support to help small businesses and nonprofits grow, create jobs, and strengthen communities across Illinois and the Midwest.
Partnering with board members to build relationships with our prospects leads to larger gifts from more loyal major donors.
When a funding crisis hits, there becomes an immediate need to adjust. This comprehensive 60-minute webinar draws insights from our specialized Rapid Response Fundraising Strategy service designed specifically for nonprofit organizations navigating urgent financial challenges. Our expert development consultants shared their recommendations and proven methodologies for: Following the presentation, our…
This “On Board” Debate explores whether nonprofits should appoint a Chief Governance Officer. It outlines when a CGO can strengthen oversight in complex organizations and when shared board responsibility may be more effective. Read More Here…
Bree Jones is turning abandoned structures within historically redlined neighborhoods into opportunities for Black homeownership and the revival of once-thriving Black communities.
Are you winging it with grant applications? Or do you juggle grant writing across multiple team members – but have no clear owner driving the work?
AI is reshaping how nonprofits work, and small teams can benefit the most. The Alford Group’s latest guide highlights practical AI tools for fundraisers, from data analytics to content creation and accessibility. Learn how to streamline processes, boost donor engagement, and adopt AI responsibly.
A strong moves management approach transforms fundraising by streamlining development efforts, aligning strategies, and maximizing staff time. It centralizes relationship-building activities to elevate long-term, transformational impact over short-term, transactional giving. Moves management focuses on planning, recording, and reporting key moments in donor relationships to deepen engagement and strengthen philanthropic…
Money IQ is FWB’s financial literacy hub — offering interactive tools, articles, and resources to help you build your financial knowledge, confidence, and money management skills.
The TransUnion Blog delivers timely articles on credit, identity protection, debt-management and personal finance — empowering readers to take control of their financial lives.
On Board by Chicago Booth's Rustandy Center strengthens nonprofit boards through debates, peer learning, and alumni connections to boost governance and strategic impact.
IGNITE is a free 9-month Chicago Booth program providing nonprofit leaders with coaching, education, peer mentorship, and networking to strengthen strategy and organizational impact.
Alford Group provides nonprofits with tools, case studies, webinars, and guides to improve fundraising, leadership, and strategy for greater impact and organizational growth.
Take the free Alford Group Moves Management Quiz to assess your fundraising readiness across 7 core areas like strategy, structure, systems and skills.
Alford Group’s free fundraising resources include blog posts, case studies, toolkits & webinars to help nonprofits strengthen strategy, boost campaigns and engage donors.
Provides eligible nonprofits free Google tools like Workspace and Ad Grants to boost efficiency, donor connections, and impact with apps, email, and ad credits.
Forefront's Nonprofit Legal Resources page offers Illinois nonprofits access to free and low-cost legal assistance, including pro bono services, educational materials, and referrals to specialized support.
The Mission Sustainability Initiative (MSI) at Forefront supports Illinois-based nonprofits in exploring strategic partnerships through confidential consultations, educational resources, and $5,000 grants for partnership readiness.
The Women's Mentoring Co-Op pairs early-career women with established leaders across industries, fostering growth through mentorship, networking, and experiential learning in Chicago's innovation ecosystem.
First Women's Bank offers business checking, lending, treasury management, and digital banking, empowering businesses with equitable access to capital and financial tools.
First Women's Bank provides commercial loans for equipment, inventory, vehicles, and real estate, supporting equitable access to capital and growth.
First Women's Bank provides digital banking, capital solutions, and resources to support women entrepreneurs and close the gender lending gap.
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready offers free online courses, coaching, peer networking, and grants to help small businesses grow and succeed.
Board Boot Camp is a comprehensive, interactive, multi-day training for individuals interested in nonprofit board service; inclusive of networking/connection with organizations recruiting for board members.
For more information, visit CFW.org
Willie's Warriors is a leadership cohort for Black women and nonbinary leaders from diverse backgrounds, sectors, and industries.
For more information, visit CFW.org
Capital is a critical resource ... For more than 30 years, we’ve specialized in flexible lending products and creative real estate solutions that help nonprofits achieve their growth goals and best serve their communities.
For more information, visit IFF.org
OFN’s free CDFI Locator helps you find community development financial institutions (CDFIs) across the U.S. that provide mission-driven financing for small businesses, nonprofits, and community projects.
For more information, visit OFN.org
Microsoft’s Digital Skills program offers free training—ranging from basic digital literacy to AI, cybersecurity, and cloud skills—to help people and businesses thrive in today’s digital economy.
Chicago Innovation Fellows is a 6-month program connecting executives to Chicago’s innovation ecosystem through projects, coaching, and experiential learning, blending theory with practical application.
A Chicago‑based nonprofit that funds and supports organizations working to expand economic security, end violence, improve health access, and advance reproductive justice for women, girls, and gender‑expansive people.
For more information, visit CFW.org
EDLI (Entrepreneurial Development and Leadership Institute) is a Chicago‑based nonprofit that builds an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem by helping Black, Latino, and women business owners grow, prepare for funding, and connect with tailored resources and support.
For more information, visit Edli.org
