ABOUT US
The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Chicago (YNPN Chicago) ia an all volunteer run nonprofit that directly serves more than 1,000 Chicago professionals annually through in-person networking events and professional development programs and includes a community of over 6,000 weekly newsletter subscribers.
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The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Chicago is an Illinois nonprofit organization with tax-exempt status granted under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
MISSION & VISION
Our Mission
The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Chicago (YNPN Chicago) strengthens the nonprofit community by providing accessible professional development, resources, and networking opportunities for young professionals involved in the Chicago-area nonprofit sector.
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Our Vision
YNPN Chicago envisions a community of engaged and inspired leaders working together
to advance society’s greater good.
HISTORY
The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Chicago (YNPN Chicago) was founded in 2001 to provide support and resources for young professionals working in the local nonprofit community. YNPN Chicago has since become Chicago’s leading organization to connect and develop nonprofit professionals in order to strengthen local charitable and philanthropic efforts and maximize their impact on social change. We are operated and governed by a volunteer Executive Board and supported by community partners.
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YNPN Chicago was born out of the knowledge that there are not enough opportunities for young nonprofit professionals in Chicago to interact, share best practices, or receive social and professional support. As a result, nonprofit workers burn out, and nonprofit organizations lose gifted future leaders. YNPN Chicago works to fill that gap. Through accessible trainings, meetings, and social gatherings, young professionals are given a chance to make connections with each other, discuss issues that impact them, and help create a stronger Chicago nonprofit community. We focus on the advancement of young talent in the nonprofit sector through a thematic catalogue of programs on relevant topics that meet the needs of young professionals at various states of their careers.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
YNPN Chicago views equity, diversity, and inclusion as indispensable to our development as a premier organization serving nonprofit professionals and strengthening the sector. Our commitment to valuing individual diversity means reaching beyond stereotypical views of individuals to be inclusive of the strengths and different perspectives that each person offers. Diversity is integral to our identity and is essential to creating a vibrant array of events and programs with unique perspectives.
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YNPN Chicago will move our diversity and inclusion initiatives forward by proactively working to:
Ensure the design and execution of programs and events highlight and incorporate the diversity of Chicago neighborhoods and the nonprofit organizations within them.
Promote accessibility and increased attendance to programs and events among individuals in the YNPN Chicago community and organizational partners of diverse backgrounds.
Utilize the YNPN Chicago website and social media presence to highlight the achievements of our diverse community and the nonprofit organizations in which they work as well as provide opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to network and connect with one another.
Engage in sustainable, strategic partnerships with groups and organizations that support and enhance YNPN Chicago’s mission and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
STATEMENT OF INCLUSIVITY
YNPN Chicago embraces and values the diversity of all our participants, supporters, and members. As an organization, we affirm all people regardless of their age, culture, abilities, ethnic origin, gender, gender identity, marital status, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.
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As a part of our commitment to developing and sustaining a vibrant nonprofit community, we strive to create an environment of inclusivity through these principles:
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We respect and affirm the dignity of each individual in our community by valuing differences and embracing diversity as a strength.
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We commit to providing welcoming and inclusive spaces for current and aspiring young nonprofit professionals
to learn, grow, and connect.
We proactively develop events that are physically accessible and highlight Chicago’s neighborhoods.
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We challenge ourselves to articulate bias and widen access to programs and resources beyond our immediate circles.