LINKS & RESOURCES
Chicago-Area Nonprofit Service Providers
Donors Forum
Regional association of grantmakers and Illinois' state nonprofit organizations - provides education, training and networking opportunities for philanthropic and nonprofit organizations of all sizes, along with hosting a comprehensive research and public library; serves as the Illinois nonprofit sector's chief advocate
NPO.net
Multiple resource site for area nonprofits and the philanthropic community, with content from a wide range of organizations to connect nonprofits, experts, supporters and individuals interested in the sector
Specialized Services / Sectors
Arts & Business Council of Chicago
Workshops, forums and one-on-one coaching to strengthen the management of nonprofit arts groups through education programs, business services and building dynamic partnerships with the for-profit sector
Arts Alliance Illinois
Statewide advocacy and educational/capacity building services for arts & cultural organizations
Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management at North Park University
Professional development programs for nonprofit professionals, including graduate degree and certificate programs and on-site training, along with an annual symposium on contemporary issues for nonprofits
CAN-TV (Chicago Access Network Television)
Training, technical assistance and production facilities for public access television broadcasting
Community Economic Development Law Project
Range of legal services for qualifying, community development and related, nonprofits
Community Media Workshop
Educational and training opportunities and information resources in media relations, communication strategies and message management for area nonprofits; publishes an annual guide to local media outlets
CPAs for the Public Interest
Public service arm of the Illinois CPA Society - links financial management professionals with local nonprofits and community service projects
Lumity
Training, professional development, consulting and related services in technology and financial management for nonprofits
Metro Chicago Information Center (MCIC)
Informational and educational data research and consulting services for nonprofits and public agencies
Taproot Foundation
Competitive service grants for teams of volunteer consultants to deliver marketing, organizational development and related projects to nonprofits
Consulting / Consultants
Association of Consultants to Nonprofits
Database of area consultants and educational resources about consulting for nonprofit organizations
Find an ESC Near You
Executive Service Corps Affiliate Network
Background and contact information for ESC affiliates across the nation
Creating an IRS 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Click here for ESC's guide noting the steps for creating a 501(c)(3) organization and registering with the State of Illinois
Government Agencies
More information about the process and documentation required for obtaining 501(c)(3) certification is available from The Internal Revenue Service and The Illinois Attorney General's "Building Better Charities" website
Websites, Online Journals, Blogs & Newsletters of Interest
Alliance for Nonprofit Management
National association of nonprofit leaders, consultants and service organizations that offer educational, training and program development opportunities for all kinds of nonprofits
Blue Avocado
Online magazine providing practical, provocative and fun food-for-thought for nonprofits and their leaders
boardnetUSA
Resources for volunteers for nonprofit board recruitment
BoardSource
Resources and information for board development and governance
Charity Channel
Free e-newsletter on various nonprofit board governance and fundraising topics
Chronicle of Philanthropy
The premiere newspaper of the nonprofit world, in print and online, for charity leaders, fund raisers, grant makers and others involved in philanthropic enterpise
CompassPoint
Consulting, research and training organization based in California that provides nonprofits with nationally renowned management tools, strategies and resources in executive transition, planning, board of directors, finance systems and business planning, fundraising and technology
Good2Gether
Web-based company that integrates nonprofit presence for volunteer recruitment and fundraising events on major newspaper websites at no direct cost
Idealist
Venue for connecting nonprofits with civic-minded individuals through volunteering and employment opportunities; resources for nonprofit management
Innovation Network
Planning and evaluation training, consulting and online tools for nonprofits and funders
Mission-Based Management
Acclaimed consultant Peter Brinkerhoff's services, publications and free newsletter about critical issues and opportunities in the nonprofit sector
Nonprofit Times
National print and online news journal for nonprofit leaders and managers
Stanford Social Innovation Review
Online forum and resources providing strategies, tools and ideas for nonprofits, philanthropic organizations and socially responsible businesses
Tech Soup
Technology resources for nonprofits - includes Tech Soup Stock which provides discounted information management/technology products for nonprofits
ESC does not guarantee the accuracy or reliability of the information contained in any of the external links. If you do not find information regarding your specific question, issue or concern, please contact us and we will try to connect you with other resource possibilities.