Campus News

Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence – Director Pamela J. Clark Reidenbach, 815-226-2833
Media Contact: Director of Communications, Rita Elliot, 815-226-3374

Rockford, Ill., – The Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE) at Rockford University will be hosting several programs this spring including the Leadership Café series, Certificate in Nonprofit Management, Fund Development Certificate Program, and more.

Leadership Café Series: The Leadership Café series is held the last Wednesday of each month beginning January 27 with Kath Velasco of V2 Marketing Communications presenting “An Annual Report doesn’t have to be boring”. The last café will be April 27. These monthly discussions focus on critical and cutting-edge issues in nonprofit leadership and governance. The series is designed to provide a menu of ideas, information, opinions, and resources for nonprofit management staff, board members, and community participants.

Poverty, Inc. Documentary Screening: Two screenings, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., of the award winning documentary Poverty, Inc. will be held on February 1 at the Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, Ill. Each screening is free to attend. Poverty, Inc. focuses on current perceptions of global charity and promotes entrepreneurship as an effective alternative to alleviating world poverty.

Learn about the Rockford University business major internship program: Representatives from nonprofit organizations are invited to attend an informal session to learn about the new internship requirement that all junior and senior Business majors at Rockford University must complete. This event will be held February 2 from 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Exchange on Volunteerism: Developing a Recruitment Plan, A to Z!: This exchange is designed as an open dialogue to discuss best practices and information related to volunteerism. The free, self-facilitated group will meet on the first Wednesday of every month from 8:30-9:30 a.m. beginning February 3. The United Way of Rock River Valley is a partner for this event.

Certificate in Nonprofit Management: This program is designed to support the changing demands on nonprofit leaders to enhance their management skills and operate more effectively. There are five courses, four of which will be held this spring, designed to strengthen participants’ abilities in Leadership and Governance, Marketing, Human Resources, Financial Management, and Fund Development. Course 3: Financial Management begins February 4, with registration due by February 1. The certificate program is held Thursdays from 1-4:30 p.m. Cost is $250 per course.

Fund Development Certificate Program: Beginning Tuesday, March 1, the Fund Development Certificate Program is designed to provide a solid foundation of fundraising fundamentals and an overview of fund development as a career. The program has five courses, to be held four consecutive Tuesdays from 4:30-7 p.m. Cost to attend is $250 per course, or $1250 for all five courses. Registration for the first course, Fundamentals of the Nonprofit Sector, is due by February 26. NICNE has partnered with the local chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals for this program. As a result, CFRE International has granted continuing education points for each course.

All programs will be held on the Rockford University campus at 5050 E. State Street, Rockford unless otherwise stated. Cost to attend NICNE programs are always discounted for members. An annually-renewable membership extends from January to December. To learn more about any of the programs above, or how to become a member, visit https://www.rockford.edu/community/nicne. Registration for each event is available athttp://www.nicne.eventbrite.com.