Mission:
To advance philanthropy by serving Donors Forum members and by promoting an effective and informed nonprofit sector.

Background:
Launched in January 1974 as a nonprofit membership association, the Donors Forum of Chicago has grown from a few dozen foundations and corporations to 190 grantmakers, 24 professional advisors, and more than 1,200 nonprofit organizations. Its library contains the Midwest's largest collection on philanthropy and nonprofit management. The Donors Forum publishes the Directory of Illinois Foundations, with information on nearly 3,000 foundations and corporate giving programs in the state; Forumnotes and New@DFC monthly newsletters; and Giving in Illinois, a report on foundation giving trends in Illinois. The Donors Forum also plays a key leadership and advocacy role, working to raise awareness and visibility of the sector among policymakers and to engage nonprofits and funders in the political process.

Outstanding Features:
The Donors Forum Web site provides online research resources, notably the Grantseekers Toolbox and a repository of research reports on the nonprofit sector, and resources on public policy issues. The Donors Forum also created Illinois Funding Source, a subscription-based online database of funders and grants in Illinois.