EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Young Nonprofit Professional Network of Chicago is achieving more with our initiatives than ever before. We work on many exciting projects to help improve the lives of others, and are very proud of the progress we continue to make. Learn more about what we do, who we help, and how we work every day to promote positive change.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
YNPN Chicago professional development programs are held monthly and take a variety of formats to meet the needs of the professional community. We cover topics such as volunteer management, grant and proposal writing, event planning, negotiation and more–for professionals with varying levels of career experience. Our ongoing professional development programs are designed to strengthen professional abilities through skill-building seminars, panels, and workshops; provide affordable opportunities to learn more about various policies and topics that affect nonprofit work; and serve as a resource for individuals seeking advice and assistance for career growth.
NETWORKING
YNPN Chicago offers a range of events for nonprofiteers to connect in informal settings. These relaxed events happen provide members of Chicago's nonprofit community a safe space to network with peers and grow their nonprofit network and include happy hours and our signature Coffee With Nine Strangers event.
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YNPN Chicago hosts casual, mostly unstructured happy hours in bars and restaurant throughout the city. These events provide an opportunity to connect and share experiences with fellow young nonprofit professionals.
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Coffee with Nine Strangers gives professionals involved or interested in the nonprofit sector an opportunity to talk through peer-generated topics in a small group setting. The events are held at informal venues and center around a 45 minute conversations facilitated by YNPN Chicago board members on issues relevant to work in the nonprofit sector.
SPECIAL EVENTS
YNPN Chicago hosts two annual special events: Celebration & Holiday Social.
CREATING SPACE INITIATIVE
YNPN Chicago professional development programs are held monthly and take a variety of formats to meet the needs of the professional community. We cover topics such as volunteer management, grant and proposal writing, event planning, negotiation and more–for professionals with varying levels of career experience. Our ongoing professional development programs are designed to strengthen professional abilities through skill-building seminars, panels, and workshops; provide affordable opportunities to learn more about various policies and topics that affect nonprofit work; and serve as a resource for individuals seeking advice and assistance for career growth.
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH GRANT
YNPN Chicago awards individual grants of up to $500 to current YNPN Chicago members and our network for professional development opportunities such as conference attendance, class and workshop fees, membership to professional associations, and more! Our very first cycle of funding was awarded in April 2020.
LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
YNPN Chicago presents the Leadership Institute: the area's most affordable, select leadership training program for nonprofit professionals. Over a period of ten months, a cohort of up to 15 promising mid-career nonprofit professionals and managers learn from experienced facilitators, executive mentors, and each other. Through a syllabus rooted in skill building and reflective learning, the YNPN Chicago Leadership Institute develops future leaders for the Chicago nonprofit and public service sectors.