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https://www.nici-il.org/grantee-partners/oai-inc-is-paving-the-way-for-clean-energy-jobs-in-the-southland-through-nici-support monthly 0.5 2024-07-24 https://www.nici-il.org/grantee-partners/the-southland-development-authoritys-first-nici-impact-grant-is-a-step-towards-regional-prosperity monthly 0.5 2024-07-26 https://www.nici-il.org/grantee-partners/nici-invests-in-workforce-development-through-proactive-community-services monthly 0.5 2024-07-24 https://www.nici-il.org/grantee-partners/the-harvey-brooks-foundation-receives-nici-impact-grant-to-combat-joliets-food-desert monthly 0.5 2024-08-02 https://www.nici-il.org/grantee-partners/the-think-big-school-of-business-in-rockford-is-growing-through-nici-support monthly 0.5 2024-07-17 https://www.nici-il.org/grantee-partners/blog-post-title-four-3d2n5 monthly 0.5 2023-08-03 https://www.nici-il.org/grantee-partners/blog-post-title-three-y8rxb monthly 0.5 2023-08-03 https://www.nici-il.org/grantee-partners/blog-post-title-two-l6l86 monthly 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0.75 2025-10-16 https://www.nici-il.org/contact daily 0.75 2025-10-07 https://www.nici-il.org/community-engagement-old daily 0.75 2025-12-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/ab9d64ae-c414-4fde-8a4d-8d6ab63e40d7/18.+The+Center+for+Nonprofit+Excellence+HR+Convening+Breakout+Conversations.jpg OLD Community Engagement The Center for Nonprofit Excellence HR Convening Breakout Conversations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/6af8072f-be51-42a7-8476-844ae97f3e44/15.+Elliot+Richardson+speaking+about+the+importance+of+small+businesses+in+Illinois.jpg OLD Community Engagement Elliot Richardson speaking about the importance of small businesses in Illinois https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/1ae368f5-b999-4ad6-8bf2-2db94fdc546f/14.+Elizia+%28NICI%29+with+Elliot+Richardson+%28President+%26+Co-Founder+of+the+Small+Business+Advocacy+Council%29.jpg OLD Community Engagement Elizia (NICI) with Elliot Richardson (President & Co-Founder of the Small Business Advocacy Council) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/fa230472-cef8-414b-8273-572dca491e32/13.+Congratulations+to+the+graduates+from+the+Think+Big+School+of+Business+Fall+Cohorts.jpg OLD Community Engagement Congratulations to the graduates from the Think Big School of Business Fall Cohorts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/c0630c1c-6102-4a65-b027-784ed120e7a7/12.+NICI+Staff%2C+Elizia+Artis%2C+speaking+at+Think+Big+School+of+Business+Graduation+in+early+November.jpg OLD Community Engagement NICI Staff, Elizia Artis, speaking at Think Big School of Business Graduation in early November https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/f35b6622-f1f6-4b2e-8725-fe828623c4e2/11.+NICI+staff+and+Think+Big+co-founders+at+the+School+of+Business+Fall+Graduation.jpg OLD Community Engagement NICI staff and Think Big co-founders at the School of Business Fall Graduation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/e705a87a-6342-4b7b-8674-fa1366b57aa0/10.+Meeting+the+mayor+of+Rockford+after+an+inspiring+speech.jpg OLD Community Engagement Meeting the mayor of Rockford after an inspiring speech. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/12ed2ff6-4085-421d-800b-05a1524fd86d/9.+NICI+staff+and+Think+Big+staff+at+the+Mayors+Address+Hosted+by+the+Rockford+Chamber+of+Commerce.jpg OLD Community Engagement NICI staff and Think Big staff at the Mayors Address Hosted by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/83fc50e0-59ac-4fe5-8b0b-a534f786edd9/8.+PLEASE+ZOOM+AND+CROP+-+NICI+staff+joins+community+and+business+leaders+on+SDA+tour+of+South+Suburban+Cook+County.jpg OLD Community Engagement NICI staff joins community and business leaders on SDA tour of South Suburban Cook County. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/0edfa0b8-94fc-45b8-8cbf-db3f779b531b/6.+Bo+Kemp+%28SDA%29+Meena+Beyers+%28Nicor%29+Tovah+McCord+%28NICI%29+and+Monita+Blunt-Daniel+and+Emma+Gonzalez+Roberts+%28TREND+CDC%29.jpg OLD Community Engagement Bo Kemp (SDA) Meena Beyers (Nicor) Tovah McCord (NICI) and Monita Blunt-Daniel and Emma Gonzalez Roberts (TREND CDC). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/4a913966-5418-427e-8d00-0e47098c58de/5.+All+7+grantees+represented+at+3rd+annual+luncheon.jpg OLD Community Engagement All 7 grantees represented at 3rd annual luncheon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/8eb88b47-798d-4d9e-b3b9-966db9c2d57b/4.+Group+Photo+from+3rd+Annual+NICI+Impact+Grantee+Luncheon.jpg OLD Community Engagement Group Photo from 3rd Annual NICI Impact Grantee Luncheon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/bd0b6c56-c994-47f5-aa83-0ef27df4e2d0/3.+Northern+Illinois+Community+Initiatives+is+honored+with+an+award+from+the+Harvey+Brooks+Foundation.png OLD Community Engagement NICI is honored with an award from the Harvey Brooks Foundation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/c2dd8593-af8e-468f-a5c4-47d944b8506f/2.+PLEASE+BRIGHTEN+-+NICI+team%2C+Yadi+Potts+Richard+%28Nicor%29%2C+and+Richard+Asiyanbi+%28Nicor%29+at+the+Harvey+Brooks+Sneaker+Ball+Fundraiser+.JPEG OLD Community Engagement NICI team, Yadi Potts (Nicor), and Richard Asiyanbi (Nicor) at the Harvey Brooks Sneaker Ball Fundraiser. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/a7e54e12-44a8-4e7e-917f-a4b611b63555/1.+NICI+and+Nicor+staff+celebrating+Harvey+Brooks%27+impact+at+its+inaugural+sneaker+ball.JPEG OLD Community Engagement NICI and Nicor staff celebrating Harvey Brooks' impact at its inaugural sneaker ball. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/8d1f606c-7439-403a-af5c-36da83fd8804/01.+A+wonderful+night+hosted+by+NICI+partner+Allies+for+Community+Business.jpg OLD Community Engagement A wonderful night hosted by NICI partner Allies for Community Business. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/fb0cc5fb-269f-4f42-97d6-0b7bf52ecfb2/00.+Tovah+McCord+networking+at+the+Allies+for+Community+Business+%27Toast+to+Community+Business%27+Event.jpg OLD Community Engagement Tovah McCord networking at the Allies for Community Business 'Toast to Community Business' Event. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/fc969d89-7f2b-4a4a-93e6-f4773df650c8/FOR+WEBSITE%3A+NICI+Team+at+SDA+Forum.jpg OLD Community Engagement NICI Team at SDA Forum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/8a7c20b1-d089-4b8b-8966-318e6b5c93cb/FOR+WEBSITE%3A+Tovah+introducing+the+importance+of+impact+measurement+for+foundation+and+nonprofit+partnership.jpg OLD Community Engagement Tovah introducing the importance of impact measurement for foundation and nonprofit partnership. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/97c9adcb-18ff-4ca4-9dff-b598b6b2b883/FOR+WEBSITE%3A+UnCharitable+Movie+Screening+at+Impact+House.jpg OLD Community Engagement UnCharitable Movie Screening at Impact House. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/4419098a-edc0-4460-976a-03f4738afcda/FOR+WEBSITE%3A+Post-screening+convo+with+nonprofits+and+foundations+co-hosted+by+Social+Responsibility+Chicago.jpg OLD Community Engagement Post-screening convo with nonprofits and foundations co-hosted by Social Responsibility Chicago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/60fcdf9a-3ff0-4964-bf3d-36a12230d901/FOR+WEBSITE%3A+Funders+nonprofits+consultants+and+corporations+in+audience+for+UnCharitable+movie+screening.jpg OLD Community Engagement Funders nonprofits consultants and corporations in audience for UnCharitable movie screening. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/a2960092-1d35-46a7-be2a-9d20219fffe7/FOR+WEBSITE%3A+Lunch+and+Fireside+Chat+between+2024+Honoree+Sharon+Bush+President+Grand+Victoria+Foundation+and+Kristen+Mack+VP+of+Communications+Fellows+and+Partnerships+MacArthur+Foundation.jpg OLD Community Engagement Lunch and Fireside Chat between 2024 Honoree Sharon Bush President Grand Victoria Foundation and Kristen Mack VP of Communications Fellows and Partnerships MacArthur Foundation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/8de12801-4489-47e3-af0c-8460333aaa82/FOR+WEBSITE%3A+NICI+team+at+Chicago+Women+in+Philanthropy+Making+a+Difference+Annual+Luncheon+2024.jpeg OLD Community Engagement NICI team at Chicago Women in Philanthropy Making a Difference Annual Luncheon 2024. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/06a38787-9553-471d-8f79-596c41bfe372/IMG_5261.jpg OLD Community Engagement Attending the YWCA Northwestern IL’s annual leadership luncheon with Ginger Kerrick, the first Latina director of NASA Mission Control. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/b5a41026-10ef-4381-b1be-275fecdf0bda/SCC+Event.jpg OLD Community Engagement The NICI team and Cheryl Denton (Nicor) attending the Spanish Community Center’s annual fundraiser. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/645b0863-da6d-47c9-9109-dcd57605679b/Luncheon+Group+Picture+%281%29.jpg OLD Community Engagement 2nd Annual Grantee Luncheon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/f2878511-abe2-4e28-a4c0-13c9b0240cfa/Luncheon+Group+Picture2.jpg OLD Community Engagement Discussing community economic development Jeffersonian style. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/29bc1d6a-0e7b-444f-9a08-c08b257b0514/YW+TechLab.jpg OLD Community Engagement YW TechLab. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/d23d0185-a81a-427e-b44d-08afca95a27d/NG_NICI+Luncheon-14.jpg OLD Community Engagement NICI Impact Grantee Luncheon 2022. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/0906118d-c4d3-4eb1-9f14-53b606251324/97BB4E41-98E8-4E7C-AD8E-43187A4E0166.jpeg OLD Community Engagement Think Big! Check Presentation 2022. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/813085e5-49ab-4549-9723-19b53cd0f45d/Kris+Machajewski+%28YWCA%29%2C+Tovah+McCord+%28NICI%29+and+Kevin+Gadzala+%28Nicor%29.jpg OLD Community Engagement Kris Machajewski (YWCA), Tovah McCord (NICI) and Kevin Gadzala (Nicor). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/f2c27aaa-daf9-4d80-b9f3-f8a7afba0595/FAD2656B-FCC2-4337-844F-08D2394ADCCC.jpeg OLD Community Engagement Harvey Brooks Foundation Check Presentation 2022. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/8a9eed63-f40c-44c7-bb97-7a74998f7b40/Tovah+McCord+and+Sheila+Hill+celebrating+Think+Big%27s+grant+renewal.jpg OLD Community Engagement Tovah McCord and Sheila Hill celebrating Think Big's grant renewal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/84612469-e9d7-4410-94f0-a9ce229e41ed/Tovah+and+Eula-NICI+and+PCS+Executive+Directors.JPG OLD Community Engagement Tovah and Eula — NICI and PCS Executive Directors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/477d929e-b139-4178-8337-d8afb9c6ac08/The+NICI+and+Nicor+teams.jpg OLD Community Engagement The NICI and Nicor teams. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/1fcab623-abd8-4311-a8ee-df3ae47c7fb7/NICI+and+Think+Big%21+community+members.jpg OLD Community Engagement NICI and Think Big! community members. https://www.nici-il.org/videos daily 0.75 2026-02-26 https://www.nici-il.org/2022-grantee-partners daily 0.75 2024-08-02 https://www.nici-il.org/2023-grantee-partners daily 0.75 2024-08-02 https://www.nici-il.org/newsletter-signup daily 0.75 2024-01-05 https://www.nici-il.org/nicv daily 0.75 2025-10-16 https://www.nici-il.org/2024-grantee-partners daily 0.75 2024-08-02 https://www.nici-il.org/2025-grantee-partners daily 0.75 2025-07-31 https://www.nici-il.org/community-engagement daily 0.75 2026-01-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/c57d48c7-52a3-47e4-ae48-83d5f7d70247/1.+DSC_4907.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/94ca5adf-1099-4cf1-9a1a-1ae54487d836/1.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/2c19824b-b39f-421e-a84d-f7b3efff7073/IMG_1502.jpg https://www.nici-il.org/nici-hosted-events daily 0.75 2025-12-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/10520bf2-9d2c-4e8e-8aa8-08886a1b7f80/Combined+Group+Images.png NICI Hosted Events - Make it stand out NICI was proud to co-host a celebration of small businesses with Think Big! at their new entrepreneur accelerator space. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/1d96c55d-6c7f-42b2-871d-4d5f18f85b69/2U1A4007.jpg NICI Hosted Events - Make it stand out 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/97640609-fd3f-4423-8ef0-36a8ae2d992f/2U1A3595.jpg NICI Hosted Events - Make it stand out NICI was proud to co-host the Think Big! Small Business Celebration at Rockford's Provenzo Center https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/0d815f5c-5b6a-4c7a-b82b-135fd91b7794/2U1A3678.jpg NICI Hosted Events - Make it stand out Our team was grateful to gather with so many stakeholders dedicated to making Rockford thrive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/d44be323-b527-4185-848b-27bd804a0fb7/1.JPEG NICI Hosted Events - Make it stand out NICI staff and board members gathered with leaders from our five Impact Grantee organizations for an engaging kick-off for the 2025 cohort. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/0677eb76-8998-468d-b1ca-20ce052e7271/3.png NICI Hosted Events - Make it stand out 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/9b68cec8-3300-44e8-859a-d636f37b7268/2.png NICI Hosted Events - Make it stand out CEO of Nicor Gas and NICI Board Chair Wendell Dallas attended to connect with grantees and hear about their transformative projects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/66c85c9b-8b87-4ee5-9aea-6dde7ce19145/4.JPEG NICI Hosted Events - Make it stand out Our team was grateful for the opportunity to affirm a shared vision across our grantees: we’re all working toward a prosperous Northern Illinois. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/ef9fde63-76ee-4133-ae0f-257b259f7b17/1.+DSC_4907.jpg NICI Hosted Events - Make it stand out Tovah McCord, NICI executive director, set the stage for a half day of critical conversations on the current state of fundraising and philanthropy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/127cad7b-7ee4-4106-87f4-a71da66327fa/2.+DSC_4804.jpg NICI Hosted Events - Make it stand out Private foundation representatives walked nonprofit leaders through invitation-only grants and shared that funders are interested in the potential of nonprofit collaboratives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/61271b98-b84a-4272-844d-17e70470e29a/3.+DSC_4955.jpg NICI Hosted Events - Make it stand out Panelists from corporate foundations suggested that individuals browse more than just the social responsibility pages on corporate websites when looking for sponsorship support. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/484f029a-5bd3-4fec-8bc0-d1e9a67246ca/4.+Combo+Pic+from+NICI+Convening.png NICI Hosted Events - Make it stand out 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/2481c9b4-ace8-478a-bbcc-5c19fc2ed3cf/1.+AI+Panel+Full.png NICI Hosted Events - Make it stand out In partnership with Social Responsibility Chicago, NICI Executive Director Tovah McCord moderated a conversation about making AI technology more accessible and practical. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/2cc7aac8-c256-40c9-bb3f-befc946b49e1/2.+AI+SRC+Event.png NICI Hosted Events - Make it stand out 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/e2a86f95-990c-489a-8ed8-d4e7cad26747/1.+Luncheon+2024.png NICI Hosted Events - Make it stand out The seven Impact Grant recipients gathered alongside the NICI team and board members to discuss the challenges and possibilities in economic and community development. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/fa97469f-9db0-47c8-a70b-4034a94aa218/3.+DSC_6501.jpg NICI Hosted Events - Make it stand out 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/fc3de729-96e5-4fcd-bec2-8928bb8f3ef7/2.+DSC_6477.jpg NICI Hosted Events - Make it stand out Many grantees agreed that service strategies experience greater success when there is a commitment to meeting individuals at their level. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/89cab32d-d5fb-4ffe-82b3-d94e1c8d081f/4.+DSC_6349+crop.JPG NICI Hosted Events - Make it stand out Thank you to Maggiano’s Little Italy, Blackout Baking Co. and CMS Trophies for the excellent goodies and giveaways. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/863393ac-af68-4095-ade6-1d6f927afba5/1.png NICI Hosted Events - Make it stand out 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/caafddfd-baa0-4a83-a3f9-a5d01db0ffde/2.png NICI Hosted Events - Make it stand out Conversations generated ideas about how general operating and non-restrictive funding can unlock greater opportunities for nonprofits providing unique and vital services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/7369c535-c4de-467f-b117-659d1acf64a3/1.+DSC_8510+%281%29.jpg NICI Hosted Events - Make it stand out Four nonprofits representing Rockford, Joliet and South Suburban Cook County joined NICI staff and board for conversations about critical community needs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/37a3987a-95f8-4418-b14e-26807ec674fe/2.+DSC_8598-Edit+%281%29.jpg NICI Hosted Events - Make it stand out 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/fc1ebde5-99b1-469f-85b9-bae4e037ee77/1.+NG_NICI+Luncheon-20.jpg NICI Hosted Events - Make it stand out 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/b219a6eb-d4d3-45c4-b730-8e5520b94512/2.+NG_NICI+Luncheon-40.jpg NICI Hosted Events - Make it stand out 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. https://www.nici-il.org/grantee-events daily 0.75 2025-12-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/29a11eb1-0dc7-43b3-9981-30465302ecb4/IMG_2867.jpg-Eliza+and+Tova-Eula.png Grantee Events - Make it stand out 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/000a613d-1c83-4676-8065-67c74bc298cb/IMG_2945.jpg Grantee Events - Make it stand out 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/0e8d3b62-5847-4368-84c3-ad603eabbfa8/1.+IMG_1713.png Grantee Events - Make it stand out 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/f595b8aa-0cf4-43d9-a079-b1a5525b05cc/2.+IMG_1708.png Grantee Events - Make it stand out 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/0cf5f632-2961-4f6d-a0bb-4120b4e023ee/1.+IMG_0088.jpg Grantee Events - Make it stand out NICI joined Think Big! as the Presenting Sponsor for the grand opening of the Think Big Entrepreneurship Center in Rockford. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/44e81312-2d31-437a-af93-a133ef40bd5c/3.+250628_NICI_ThinkBig_Tovah3.png Grantee Events - Make it stand out NICI Executive Director Tovah McCord spoke to a crowd of community leaders and peers gathered to celebrate this milestone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/c0c67c88-c4c5-4e74-a4a6-b5dbadd80560/2.+TB+Ribbon+Cutting+Collage.png Grantee Events - Make it stand out 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/076c0c63-d529-4076-a7e0-e702919611a1/4.+IMG_0172.jpg Grantee Events - Make it stand out “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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/29aaf13c-3030-4b94-92b9-e1570735c9de/1.+IMG_0521.JPEG Grantee Events - Make it stand out 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/97be73ec-e66e-4f42-91cc-3cdd208a2fc5/2.+OAI+Ribbon+Collage.png Grantee Events - Make it stand out The training center is an innovative hub for workforce development, community organizations, businesses, educational institutions and youth-serving programs to connect and collaborate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/95515a15-685e-4411-a2f9-57f1596ddbe3/1.png Grantee Events - Make it stand out In fall 2024, NICI staff took the Southland Development Authority (SDA) bus tour to learn about their investment strategy for South Suburban Cook County. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/ddfb7b92-c07c-45dc-a986-9cee7520f142/2.png Grantee Events - Make it stand out The tour stopped at housing, neighborhood development and new business sites, highlighting the importance of transit access at stops in Harvey and Park Forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/5be41af4-ff8e-4961-93e5-e03f2d36adb2/8M8A9617-Enhanced-SR.jpg Grantee Events - Make it stand out 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/80b07908-bd60-4403-885b-38e0210b1ecf/8M8A9716-Enhanced-SR.jpg Grantee Events - Make it stand out 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/5aae7ce0-f189-4b01-b0f9-c771eb87c231/1.png Grantee Events - Make it stand out NICI was honored with their Empowerment Partnership Award for the collaborative relationship between the organizations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/4c24d7c5-9a15-4571-bdb2-ed3d4bff3e83/2.png Grantee Events - Make it stand out 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/5e7d9a20-781b-44e1-a92f-5e40a632ea37/1.png Grantee Events - Make it stand out NICI Executive Director Tovah McCord spoke at Southland Development Authority’s Impact Measurement panel in May of 2024. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/44e4ee82-29b2-467e-9c15-0d4d6f07fb7c/2.png Grantee Events - Make it stand out 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/555c8084-b7de-4a09-a6aa-8362c012c6db/TB+Grad+Collage.png Grantee Events - Make it stand out Think Big!’s 2023 School of Business graduation ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of entrepreneurs that will go on to shape Rockford. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/775ba226-21e8-48e8-87fd-4902a3a6facc/Think+Big+Graduation+2023+%281%29.jpeg Grantee Events - Make it stand out NICI has been honored to support Think Big! graduation ceremonies since 2022. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/6f9d97ce-0d70-4eb3-8c67-1637f3d35b55/IMG_5918+%281%29.jpg Grantee Events - Make it stand out 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/a85e6ea6-50d4-4a9b-a88c-198319178d48/Screenshot+2025-12-08+at+4.58.12%E2%80%AFPM.png Grantee Events - Make it stand out 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/321897ce-49f8-4d3f-81a7-9d19e7b853fa/1.png Grantee Events - Make it stand out NICI had the chance to celebrate with Impact Grantee YWCA of Northwestern Illinois at their Annual Leader Luncheons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/514a81a7-82d2-40c3-b259-e570823d04e4/3.png Grantee Events - Make it stand out 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/feac4104-a182-488c-ab6e-7dc11ce3d343/2.png Grantee Events - Make it stand out In 2025, Dr. Sheila Hill, co-founder of Think Big!, received an award at the luncheon for her uplifting work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/889e378c-36a7-46da-9b7d-dcd5571792b8/4.png Grantee Events - Make it stand out The luncheon is an opportunity to celebrate and connect with leaders across Northwestern Illinois. https://www.nici-il.org/nici-in-the-community daily 0.75 2025-12-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/c28dfbe5-cdf2-4a66-9513-ed7b5905a278/1.jpg NICI in the Community - Make it stand out The affordable housing panel discussion featured leaders from across the sector. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/b9d072a7-1d40-4fa4-95f1-1391b4efce49/4.jpg NICI in the Community - Make it stand out Panelists discussed the critical impacts of affordable housing and the ways it enables access, dignity and opportunity for all. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/44647742-263e-43e1-a359-64ed8cee708a/IMG_0875.JPEG NICI in the Community - Make it stand out 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/92430d8e-07b9-4ab6-bc97-1df8f357ca21/IMG_08801.JPEG NICI in the Community - Make it stand out 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/a30b4cd8-2225-45d4-bede-49b108921f18/1.+A4CB+Pub+and+Grub.jpg NICI in the Community - Make it stand out 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/4aa4a40a-bddc-4733-b9b9-8ee8b950da5e/2.+A4CB+Pub+and+Grub+2.jpg NICI in the Community - Make it stand out The event, hosted at culinary business incubator The Hatchery Chicago, brought together local lenders, community partners and entrepreneurs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/be5be863-6b84-4f30-b62f-32e11e810220/IMG_1502.jpeg NICI in the Community - Make it stand out NICI staff attended the third annual South Main Mercado, an outdoor market and street festival that celebrates the vibrancy of Rockford. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/a80853d6-23c4-46d3-ae95-9d183fd0d4d5/processed-FB104EFE-DA03-4E93-A84F-DAEBE3FCAD72.jpeg NICI in the Community - Make it stand out Comprehensive Community Solutions, one of the event’s sponsors, received their first NICI Impact Grant in 2025. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/86a91d38-df4e-4c1c-ad69-e55c3a1b0805/1.png NICI in the Community - Make it stand out The third annual Rockford University Business Summit focused on the “workforce ecosystem” of the Greater Rockford region. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/ef3c333f-fd7c-4372-a9dc-36d3dd76b9e9/2.png NICI in the Community - Make it stand out NICI was proud to attend the summit, which featured a panel of local leaders and breakout discussions on organizational culture and workforce development. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/2bdac06e-108c-44f6-a405-a74be0a8d285/1.+image000001.jpg NICI in the Community - Make it stand out Joliet’s Spanish Community Center held their annual awards dinner with a Salsa and Sangrita theme — including dance lessons! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/ea1e3c53-4caf-42f8-a1d9-1fb748be830e/2.+484116557_962430729417804_8007507312228729424_n.jpg NICI in the Community - Make it stand out A Diamond Sponsor of the event, NICI was proud to celebrate alongside the Joliet community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/60562c17-d2ef-461b-9fae-b176fc0b369c/1.+IMG_7689.jpg NICI in the Community - Make it stand out The Southland Chamber of Commerce hosted their 2024 holiday luncheon, featuring former Chicago Bears linebacker Mike Singletary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/41455ece-62f3-480f-b83a-c7ac66f95d40/2.+IMG_7680.jpg NICI in the Community - Make it stand out An event sponsor, NICI joined local leaders in celebrating the vibrant and growing economy of the South Suburbs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/67c4ca3a-2c0d-4e41-b102-1fb776657087/1.+SBAC+Event+2024.png NICI in the Community - Make it stand out NICI staff joined funders, entrepreneurs and advocates at the Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC) mixer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/8a2356df-aad9-479d-a6e8-a6e414cb1911/2.+IMG_9602+edit.jpg NICI in the Community - Make it stand out SBAC President and Co-Founder Elliot Richardson spoke to the gathered stakeholders on the importance of small businesses in Illinois. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/0ea67a39-6eec-4f74-919b-6ae03661fa35/1.+10102024+Mayors+Address-170-X3.jpg NICI in the Community - Make it stand out Members of NICI’s staff gathered with Rockford business leaders for an address from the city’s mayor, Tom McNamara. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/9735f6a8-42fa-47a3-aaae-be64ed5322dc/2.+10102024+Mayors+Address-229-X3.jpg NICI in the Community - Make it stand out The NICI team met the mayor after an inspiring speech on the bright future of the city and its business community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/c090fc05-3fb8-4387-aabb-bd4513b8e57a/1.+a4bc+2024.png NICI in the Community - Make it stand out NICI collaborator Allies for Community Business brought together small business owners, community leaders and partners for their September 2024 Toast to Community event. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/8c7f6b63-5f1c-4b69-89be-1dd40e9ec115/2.+IMG_1690-edit.jpg NICI in the Community - Make it stand out 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/52b1ee96-637f-46dc-bb30-5d3fc6e2e656/IMG_6860.jpeg NICI in the Community - Make it stand out The NICI team gathered with changemakers at Chicago Women in Philanthropy’s annual Making a Difference luncheon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6477d1e41a61a71b1b8fd65b/95a54b6a-5068-4a35-a825-549839c65532/cwip+2024.png NICI in the Community - Make it stand out 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.