Forefront

Forefront Membership provides you with the resources and services you need to meet your mission today, and deepen your impact in the future. Discover the full breadth of benefits and become a member today! https://bit.ly/JoinForefront

We are thrilled to announce that Monique B. Jones, LCSW, has joined First Women's Bank's advisory board!

Monique is currently the fourth President & CEO of Forefront, Illinois’ premier organization dedicated to supporting philanthropy and nonprofits. Her innovative approach is transforming the sector, exemplified by initiatives like Converge Consulting, which provides essential financial services to businesses statewide. During her previous tenure as President & CEO of the Evanston Community Foundation, Monique led incredible growth, increasing assets significantly and launching the groundbreaking Evanston Reparations Community Fund—the first of its kind. Her leadership during the COVID-19 crisis showcased her dedication to community resilience, raising over $6 million for urgent needs.

A visionary leader and a nationally respected voice on mental health, philanthropy, and racial equity, Monique's journey is nothing short of inspiring. As a Multiple Sclerosis warrior, she brings not only her expertise but also her lived experience to the forefront of advocacy, challenging us all to rethink how leadership, health, and equity intertwine.

Her remarkable accolades, including recognition as a 2025 Moxie Honoree and a 2025 Women of Power Honoree, reflect her commitment to creating a more equitable world. Together, we look forward to leveraging her expertise to drive impactful change!

Today is the first day of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Forefront's third annual Racial Equity Leaders Lunch is on May 11th at the Chicago Cultural Center. Just a week away!

In that honor, we look forward to working across sectors to strengthen our democracy and immersing in South Asian food culture with catering provided by Ashyana Baquets and entertainment provided by Funkadesi.

Travel stipends are still available for those traveling over 100 miles. Today is the last day to register! https://bit.ly/4ufh6fx)

Join Forefront's Racial Equity Collective as we convene leaders from across Illinois and the nation for a discussion on Strengthening Our Democracy. One of our panelists is Venu Gupta.

Venu Gupta serves as Executive Director of the Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights, where she leads one of the Midwest's most effective civil rights legal organizations. Venu brings more than 20 years of experience driving impact for organizations working on social justice and racial equity.

Please register here (https://bit.ly/4ufh6fx) to secure your spot.

NEW RESOURCE: Our national partners at the National Council of Nonprofits compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions that we hear about nonprofits. https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/frequently-asked-questions-about-nonprofits