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Nonprofit Affinity Group / Favorite Things
The Chamber's Nonprofit Affinity Group gathers the first Thursday of most months to connect with each other and benefit from some professional development. We start at 12:30 with time to network, then have our presenter begin at 1 pm. We welcome you to join us!
This month: Favorite Things!
Nonprofit “tools of the trade” range from constantly evolving tech resources to the people and partnerships that help move our missions forward. In this interactive session, Michelle will lead the discussion on favorite tools nonprofit leaders are using right now — and you’ll be invited to share yours, too.
From discounted nonprofit resources and AI tools to grant sourcing, revenue diversification, networking, and organizational efficiencies, this conversation is designed to spark practical ideas you can use right away. Expect a collaborative exchange of insights, recommendations, and real-world experiences from fellow nonprofit professionals.
Participants will also help shape a future Nonprofit Affinity Group Meeting topic through feedback gathered at the end of the session.
WHO IS OUR PRESENTER?
Michelle is the first Executive Director of PING (Providing Instruments for the Next Generation) and has guided the organization’s transition from a working board to a staff-led model overseeing day-to-day operations. Under her leadership, PING has expanded its programming, has been serving more students, and has increased revenue while diversifying its funding sources, improving the organization’s financial sustainability. She has also strengthened and streamlined internal operations, including implementing a CRM to better safeguard information and improve access and efficiency. Prior to joining staff in 2022, Michelle served on PING’s board of directors for three years.
Michelle brings extensive experience in communications, marketing, and community engagement. She previously worked as Arts Editor and journalist for Growing Community Media, publishing arts-focused stories in the Wednesday Journal and other publications. Earlier in her career, she served as a Corporate Communications Manager at a Fortune 500 company, producing marketing videos and leading employee communications, including a globally distributed newsletter and benefits rollouts. Her degree is in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Michelle has a long history of volunteerism in the community, including with the OPRF High School Marching Huskies, and currently serves as co-chair of the Nonprofit Affinity Group for the Oak Park–River Forest Chamber of Commerce.
Parking:
Sarah's Inn has a parking lot or there is street parking available on Circle.
Date and Time
Thursday Jun 4, 2026
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM CDTLocation
Location Sarah's Inn
1547 Circle Ave
Forest Park, IL
Parking: Sarah's Inn has a parking lot or there is street parking available on Circle.Fees/Admission
Free for Chamber members / $25 nonmembers
Website
Contact Information
Mark Walden
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