Listen and build with grantee events,

LEARN MORE ABOUT NICI COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: NICI-HOSTED EVENTS & NICI IN THE COMMUNITY

 

Proactive Community Services 20th Anniversary, Fall 2025 »

 
 

The NICI team was thrilled to celebrate 20 years of health and employment services that Proactive Community Services (PCS) has provided to vulnerable populations throughout South Suburban Cook County.

PCS has been an Impact Grantee since 2023. Through our support, they have scaled their workforce development program to provide tailored services for job seekers with unique barriers and goals.

 
 

Southland Development Authority Achieve Summit, Summer 2025 »

 
 

The NICI team joined business and community leaders at the ACHIEVE Summit Awards Luncheon to celebrate Southland Development Authority (SDA) and its fifth year of revitalization projects in South Suburban Cook County.

SDA’s strategy values investments in housing accessibility, business corridor maintenance and job creation as equally vital for the region’s ongoing success. NICI looks forward to years of economic opportunity for all in the Southland.

 
 

Think Big! Ribbon Cutting, Summer 2025 »

 
 

NICI joined Think Big! as the Presenting Sponsor for the grand opening of the Think Big Entrepreneurship Center in Rockford.

NICI Executive Director Tovah McCord spoke to a crowd of community leaders and peers gathered to celebrate this milestone.

NICI is proud to have supported Think Big! — an Impact Grant recipient since 2022 — as it scaled to establish a brick-and-mortar space that provides training and business development services to entrepreneurs and small business owners.

“Continued support from NICI helps us grow capacity-building and networking opportunities for local entrepreneurs and program alumni,” said Dr. Sheila Hill, Think Big! co-founder.

 
 

OAI, Inc. Ribbon Cutting, Winter 2025 »

 
 

The NICI team was honored to join OAI, Inc. as they marked the official opening of the NICI Southland Clean Energy Training Center in Park Forest.

The training center is an innovative hub for workforce development, community organizations, businesses, educational institutions and youth-serving programs to connect and collaborate.

 
 

Southland Development Authority Bus Tour,
Fall 2024 »

 
 

In fall 2024, NICI staff took the Southland Development Authority (SDA)  bus tour to learn about their investment strategy for  South Suburban Cook County.

The tour stopped at housing,  neighborhood development and new business sites, highlighting the importance of transit access at stops in Harvey and Park Forest.

 
 

Think Big! Graduation, Fall 2024 »

 
 

A representative from NICI attended the Think Big School of Business Graduation in fall 2024 to meet Rockford-area small business owners using the program's skills, resources and mentorship to advance their entrepreneurial aspirations.

Congratulations to the School of Business graduates and thank you to Think Big!’s co-founders, Dr. Sheila Hill and Duntai Matthews, for hosting the celebration.

 
 

Harvey Brooks Foundation Sneaker Ball, Fall 2024 »

 
 

 NICI was honored with their Empowerment Partnership Award for the collaborative relationship between the organizations. 

The Harvey Brooks Motivation and Development Foundation (HBF) held their inaugural gala in September 2024. As a 2022-2024 Impact Grantee the organization expressed an interest in hosting a gala and used NICI support to successfully execute a spectacular event.

 
 

Southland Development Authority Metrics Panels, Spring 2024 »

 
 

NICI Executive Director Tovah McCord spoke at Southland Development Authority’s Impact Measurement panel in May of 2024.

The convening drew together experts and practitioners to explore methods of impact analysis that can be applied to the unique needs and progress in the Southland community.

 
 

Think Big! Graduations, 2022 - 2023 »

 
 

Think Big!’s 2023 School of Business graduation ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of entrepreneurs that will go on to shape Rockford.

NICI has been honored to support Think Big! graduation ceremonies since 2022. 

 
 

Harvey Brooks Foundation Garden Days, 2022-2023 »

 
 

The planting days at Harvey Brooks Foundation’s All Nations Eden Community Garden brought together Joliet neighbors of all ages for a day of gardening, learning and connection.

The NICI team joined two years of garden days, helping lay the groundwork for more fresh vegetables distributed through the organization's food pantry program.

 
 

YWCA Women’s Luncheons, 2024 - 2025 »

 
 

NICI had the chance to celebrate with Impact Grantee YWCA of Northwestern Illinois at their Annual Leader Luncheons.

NICI supported the YWCA  as an Impact Grantee in the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 funding cycles, and through various events like the annual luncheon.

In 2025, Dr. Sheila Hill, co-founder of Think Big!, received an award at the luncheon for her uplifting work.

The luncheon is an opportunity to celebrate and connect with leaders across Northwestern Illinois.