Philanthropy Centers

In partnership with local libraries, Donors Forum currently operates five Philanthropy Centers in Glen Ellyn, Grayslake, Joliet, Quincy, and Schaumburg. All are Cooperating Collections of The Foundation Center. The Philanthropy Centers bring fundraising and nonprofit management resources to organizations throughout the region; they are open to the public and serve more than 8,000 people each year through trainings, educational workshops, and reference help.

Philanthropy Centers Offer:

• Proposal writing guides, management tools, and other essential resources
• Online prospect research tools, such as Foundation Directory Online, and, at select locations, WealthEngine
• The Directory of Illinois Foundations and Foundation Center directories of grantmakers
• Additional databases such as Marquis Who's Who and Reference USA
• Helpful librarians to assist with research

The First Step in Fundraising: Tools and Tips (free orientations)
Nonprofit staff and the public can attend these free workshops at each of the Philanthropy Centers to learn how to use these resources to identify potential private donors, research the philanthropic sector, and learn about nonprofit management. The orientation workshops are free, but reservations are necessary. For specific dates and to register, visit the links below.