Through adapting to the unique needs of the six counties served while championing the YWCA’s larger mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, the YWCA Northwestern Illinois has grown into a significant driver of workforce development in the region.

We are pleased to announce the debut of Northern Illinois Community Initiatives’ new, quarterly newsletter!

NICI’s mission is to build a more vibrant and equitable region by investing in bold economic development initiatives that help underserved communities thrive.

Latania Johnson began offering mobile and remote notary services as part of her tax preparation business is one that most people can relate to.

Why did a nonprofit founded to promote HIV prevention and testing in low-income communities do a hard pivot to become an employment solutions provider?

A Rockford woman wanted to open a soul food restaurant. She signed a lease for a 1,500-square-foot space and hired seven employees but didn’t purchase a POS system.

There’s a popular proverb that says, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

On July 20th, NICI announced a total commitment of $100,000 to Proactive Community Services in Flossmoor.

NICI announced a grant renewal of $100,000 to the Harvey Brooks Foundation in Joliet.

Northern Illinois Community Initiatives (NICI), a foundation created by Nicor Gas, today announced a total commitment of $200,000 to Think Big! and YWCA Northwestern Illinois.

It’s a fact that women, Blacks and Hispanics are the least likely to major in science and engineering in college. Even when they do, they aren’t as likely to remain on a STEM career path through graduation.

Borrowing money has become more expensive and restrictive, making access to capital even harder.

Northern Illinois Community Initiatives announced a new economic development program called Northern Illinois Community Ventures (NICV).

Think Big!, founded in 2018, helps disadvantaged entrepreneurs overcome barriers to establishing and growing their own businesses.

Melvin Leach, a case worker for the Harvey Brooks Foundation of Joliet, is aware of the lack of grocery stores in the city’s predominately African American neighborhoods. But living in a food desert hits harder some days than others, he said.

In some ways, it seems like a long time has passed since NICI launched one year ago. Illinois was moving back into restrictions again due to the COVID-19 Delta variant, and we quickly changed our launch celebration event into a virtual one.

A common focus shared by officials and local leaders throughout Illinois is cultivating its communities and infrastructure.

Funding will support micro-transit strategy, educational enrichment and diverse entrepreneurs