CHICAGO - Yesterday, Congressman Mike Quigley played host to a Grants Workshop attended by nearly two-dozen local not-for-profit organizations, including performing arts groups, schools and cultural organizations.

“In these difficult economic times, I want to help ensure that community organizations providing important programming and services in Illinois’ Fifth District have the information and resources they need to succeed,” said Rep. Quigley. “I want to thank Donors Forum for donating their time and expertise to achieve that goal and look forward to hosting grants-related workshops in the future.”

The workshop, which took place at the Center on Halsted, was conducted by Donors Forum and focused on helping grant writers at smaller local organizations improve their skills and better navigate the often-complex private foundation giving application process.  In addition, advisors discussed the impact of networking, strong public relations, and advocacy on the grant process.

“Donors Forum is thrilled to be part of collaborative relationships with partners like Representative Quigley to help strengthen the nonprofit sector in Illinois,” said Laura Zumdahl, Vice President of Nonprofit Services at Donors Forum.  “Nonprofits are doing critical work in every community. During this time of increased need and decreased resources, we are happy to show that government and nonprofits can partner in order to improve the effectiveness of the sector by building their internal capacity.”

Donors Forum is a well-known resource for networking and education, information and knowledge, and leadership and advocacy on behalf of philanthropy in Illinois. As a membership association of grantmakers, nonprofits, and advisors, Donors Forum serves its constituents by promoting an effective and informed philanthropic and nonprofit sector.

Rep. Quigley is serving his second term in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he sits on the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Prior to his election to Congress, Quigley served as Cook County Commissioner for the 10th District, where he fought for transparency, accountability, and fiscal sanity, earning the reputation as an honest and effective leader on reform.

Delia Coleman (center), public policy manager at Donors Forum, sits with participants of the Non-Profit Grants Workshop at the Center on Halsted.

Laura Zumdahl (right), Vice President of Nonprofit Services at Donors Forum, takes questions from various non-profits attending the workshop.

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