Learn and share with NICI-hosted events.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NICI COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: GRANTEE EVENTS & NICI IN THE COMMUNITY

 

NICI and Think Big! Toast to Small Businesses,
Fall 2025 »

 
 

NICI was proud to co-host a celebration of small businesses with Think Big! at their new entrepreneur accelerator space. 

The event spotlit graduates of the Think Big! School of Business, who now run ventures from a craft candle brand to a mobile medical testing service.

NICI was proud to co-host the Think Big! Small Business Celebration at Rockford's Provenzo Center 

Our team was grateful to gather with so many stakeholders dedicated to making Rockford thrive.

 
 

Fourth Annual NICI Impact Grantee Luncheon,
Fall 2025 »

 
 

NICI staff and board members gathered with leaders from our five Impact Grantee organizations for an engaging kick-off for the 2025 cohort.

Participants connected over an excellent meal and an honest discussion about the power and challenges of strategic collaborations and how these efforts can best serve communities in Rockford and South Suburban Cook County.

CEO of Nicor Gas and NICI Board Chair Wendell Dallas attended to connect with grantees and hear about their transformative projects.

Our team was grateful for the opportunity to affirm a shared vision across our grantees: we’re all working toward a prosperous Northern Illinois.

 
 

Fundraising Strategies: Cultivating Relationships with Private and Corporate Funders, Spring 2025 »

 
 

Tovah McCord, NICI executive director, set the stage for a half day of critical conversations on the current state of fundraising and philanthropy.

Private foundation representatives walked nonprofit leaders through invitation-only grants and shared that funders are interested in the potential of nonprofit collaboratives.

Panelists from corporate foundations suggested that individuals browse more than just the social responsibility pages on corporate websites when looking for sponsorship support.

Attendees enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere of Impact House, lunch from Nicole Jordan Catering and speaker gifts from Candyality.

Thank you to New Fronteras Inc. for the photography.

 
 

Harnessing AI for Productivity & Engagement, Spring 2025 »

 
 

In partnership with Social Responsibility Chicago, NICI Executive Director Tovah McCord moderated a conversation about making AI technology more accessible and practical.

A key takeaway: AI should be viewed as a tool to enhance human capabilities, not replace them. Therefore, nonprofits and philanthropists should consider how AI can help changemakers allocate their time and resources more effectively, focusing less on administrative work and more on serving the community.

 
 

Third Annual NICI Impact Grantee Luncheon,
Fall 2024 »

 
 

The seven Impact Grant recipients gathered alongside the NICI team and board members to discuss the challenges and possibilities in economic and community development.

Leaders from OAI, Inc. and Proactive Community Services (PCS) met at the luncheon and set the groundwork for a referral partnership from PCS’ job skills training program to OAI’s mechanic program.

Many grantees agreed that service strategies experience greater success when there is a commitment to meeting individuals at their level.

Thank you to Maggiano’s Little Italy, Blackout Baking Co. and CMS Trophies for the excellent goodies and giveaways.

 
 

"UnCharitable" Film Screening, Spring 2024 »

 
 

This screening of Dan Pallotta’s “UnCharitable” brought nonprofit representatives, philanthropists and fundraisers together for a critical reflection on the current state of charitable giving.

Conversations generated ideas about how general operating and non-restrictive funding can unlock greater opportunities for nonprofits providing unique and vital services.

 
 

Second Annual NICI Impact Grantee Luncheon,
Fall 2023 »

 
 

Four nonprofits representing Rockford, Joliet and South Suburban Cook County joined NICI staff and board for conversations about critical community needs.

The Impact Grantee Luncheons are a continuation of the celebration for the new grantees. We appreciate gathering these leaders for a chance to honor their expertise.

 
 

Inaugural NICI Impact Grantee Luncheon, Fall 2022 »

 
 

Hosted by Wendell Dallas, CEO of Nicor Gas and NICI board chair, and Tovah McCord, the inaugural Impact Grantee Luncheon was an intimate opportunity to build trust and community.

The Grantee Luncheon is always Jeffersonian-style, with one single topic for the facilitated discussion among individuals representing different professions, regions in Illinois and worldviews.