Learn and connect with NICI in the community.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NICI COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: GRANTEE EVENTS & NICI HOSTED EVENTS

 

Southland Human Services Leadership Council 2025 Annual Mixer and Affordable Housing Panel Discussion, Fall 2025 »

 
 

The affordable housing panel discussion featured leaders from across the sector.

Panelists discussed the critical impacts of affordable housing and the ways it enables access, dignity and opportunity for all.

 
 

The Future of Corporate Responsibility:
Rebranding or Reinvention?, Fall 2025 »

 
 

NICI Executive Director Tovah McCord moderated a timely panel hosted by Executive Club Chicago, leading a conversation on what it means to pursue corporate responsibility today.

Panelists Matt Kruse, sustainability strategist at Uplift, and Sonia Mathew, director of partnerships at the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, engaged in a frank discussion on how companies can lead with integrity while delivering measurable results.

 
 

Allies for Community Business Pub and Grub, Summer 2025 »

 
 

The NICI team attended the annual Allies for Community Business (A4CB) Pub & Grub event, celebrating the community referral partners who connect entrepreneurs to A4CB loans.

The event, hosted at culinary business incubator The Hatchery Chicago,  brought together local lenders, community partners and entrepreneurs.

 
 

South Main Mercado, Summer 2025 »

 
 

NICI staff attended the third annual South Main Mercado, an outdoor market and street festival that celebrates the vibrancy of Rockford.

Comprehensive Community Solutions, one of the event’s sponsors, received their first NICI Impact Grant in 2025.

 
 

Rockford University Business Summit, Spring 2025 »

 
 

The third annual Rockford University Business Summit focused on the “workforce ecosystem” of the Greater Rockford region.

NICI was proud to attend the summit, which featured a panel of local leaders and breakout discussions on organizational culture and workforce development.

 
 

Spanish Community Center Awards Dinner,
Winter 2025 »

 
 

Joliet’s Spanish Community Center held their annual awards dinner with a Salsa and Sangrita theme — including dance lessons!

A Diamond Sponsor of the event, NICI was proud to celebrate alongside the Joliet community.

 
 

Southland Chamber of Commerce Luncheon,
Winter 2024 »

 
 

The Southland Chamber of Commerce hosted their 2024 holiday luncheon, featuring former Chicago Bears linebacker Mike Singletary.

An event sponsor, NICI joined local leaders in celebrating the vibrant and growing economy of the South Suburbs.

 
 

Small Business Advocacy Council Mixer,
Winter 2024 »

 
 

NICI staff joined funders, entrepreneurs and advocates at the Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC) mixer.

SBAC President and Co-Founder Elliot Richardson spoke to the gathered stakeholders on the importance of small businesses in Illinois.

 
 

Rockford Mayor's Business Address, Fall 2024 »

 
 

Members of NICI’s staff gathered with Rockford business leaders for an address from the city’s mayor, Tom McNamara.

The NICI team met the mayor after an inspiring speech on the bright future of the city and its business community.

 
 

A4CB Toast to Community, Fall 2024 »

 
 

NICI collaborator Allies for Community Business brought together small business owners, community leaders and partners for their September 2024 Toast to Community event.

NICI was one of the event’s sponsors, and Executive Director Tovah McCord attended, connecting and reconnecting with leaders and entrepreneurs from across the region.

 
 

Chicago Women in Philanthropy Making a Difference Luncheon, Spring 2024 »

 
 

The NICI team gathered with changemakers at Chicago Women in Philanthropy’s annual Making a Difference luncheon.

The luncheon featured a fireside chat between 2024 Honoree Sharon Bush, president of the Grand Victoria Foundation, and Kristen Mack, Vice President of Communications, Fellows and Partnerships at the MacArthur Foundation.