Welcome to the LCCF Leadership Development & Capacity Building Resource Hub!

The Lake County Community Foundation recognizes the nonprofit sector's vital role in creating an equitable and thriving community. The Resource Hub serves as a centralized space for leadership development and capacity-building resources.

If you have any questions or wish to recommend resources, please contact Quetzali Gomez at [email protected]

Capacity Building

Capacity building is defined as providing support to nonprofits to build their internal capacity so they can better serve the community. LCCF recognizes that providing capacity building support is a vital tool to supporting nonprofit sustainability, efficiency and growth.

Nonprofits play a critical role in shaping the policies that impact our communities. This section provides guidance, tools and resources to help organizations confidently engage in advocacy efforts while understanding the rules around lobbying.

Advocacy Resources – Practical tools, templates, and training opportunities to strengthen your organization’s public policy work
- Alliance for Justice: Advocacy Playbook series provides a comprehensive overview of the legal guidelines for 501(c)(3) public charities engaging in different types of social justice advocacy

Guidelines on Nonprofit Advocacy & Lobbying – Clear explanations of what 501(c)(3) organizations can and cannot do
- Forefront: Lobbying Rules - Guidance on how nonprofits can engage in advocacy and lobbying at all levels of government while staying within IRS, state and local rules
  - Overview of Nonprofit Advocacy and Lobbying Rules - Powerpoint
Policy Updates – Information on current issues and legislation that affect the nonprofit sector
- National Council of Nonprofits: The National Council of Nonprofits uniquely integrates advocacy across all levels and branches of government, monitoring state and federal policy trends and mobilizing partners to advance solutions that strengthen and protect charitable nonprofits

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an essential tool for nonprofits of all sizes. When used responsibly, it can save staff time, stretch limited resources and amplify community impact. These resources are designed to introduce practical and ethical tools nonprofits can use to put AI to work.

Articles & Guides:

Candid: How Nonprofits Can Use AI Responsibly - Guidance on ethics, transparency and responsible adoption of AI
Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR): AI for Good in the Nonprofit Sector - Research and case studies on AI’s potential and risks for mission-driven organizations
Giving USA: How AI is Transforming Nonprofits in 2025

Resource Pages:

Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN): AI for Nonprofits Resource Hub - Developed by Maryland Nonprofits in collaboration with NTEN, nonprofits now have a trusted and reliable AI Hub to turn to for responsible and ethical AI adoption.

Reports:

The AI Equity Project 2025: How to Ethically Incorporate AI into the Workplace - capturing insights from 850 nonprofits across the U.S. and Canada on how AI is shaping the sector

Strong boards are essential to nonprofit success. These resources can help organizations recruit, train, support and sustain effective board leadership that advances the mission with clarity, accountability and purpose.

Board Tools & Templates

BoardSource: Board Self-Assessment - Comprehensive assessment tool to evaluate board performance
National Council of Nonprofits: Sample Policies - Sample bylaws, conflict of interest policies and board job descriptions

Training & Learning Resources

Forefront – Ongoing trainings and webinars (Free if you're a member)
Lilly School of Philanthropy – Nationally recognized fundraising education
University Center of Lake County & North Park University – Continuing education in nonprofit leadership

Whether your organization is building its first fundraising plan or refining a mature development strategy, these tools and resources can help strengthen donor relationships, increase revenue and support long-term sustainability.

Workshops & Trainings

CFRE Certification – For professional fundraisers
Forefront – Ongoing trainings and webinars (Free if you're a member)
Kellogg School of Management – Nonprofit-focused leadership and fundraising sessions
Lilly School of Philanthropy – Nationally recognized fundraising education
University Center & North Park University – Continuing education in nonprofit leadership

Templates & Tools

Budgeting and donor communications templates
Custom fundraising templates and materials (available to download HERE)
Foundation Directory Online – (available at the Vernon Area Public Library, in-library use only)

Grant Writing Assistance

- Candid Guidestart Foundation Directory Online (FDO)
- Kellogg School of Management
- National Grant Foundation – Classes available

Development Networks

Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
Forefront Member & Peer Networks – (Free if you are a member)
PIDN – Professionals in Development Network

Continuing Education

Alford Group
CFRE Certification
Council on Planned Giving
Charity How-To
Candid – Essential nonprofit data, tools and resources
Evolve Giving Group – Nonprofit Consulting
Giving USA
Nonprofit Learning Lab

Access free and low-cost legal guidance to help your nonprofit navigate compliance, governance, employment law, contracts and more. These resources offer organizations tools, trainings and direct support tailored to nonprofit needs.

Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights - An information library for nonprofits that help address many of the most common legal questions for your organization
Forefront Nonprofit Legal Resources - This collection of legal resources is intended to provide helpful information and resources for nonprofits in Illinois, as well as referrals to available free legal help to help navigate these issues

Scenario planning helps nonprofits navigate uncertainty by exploring multiple future possibilities and identifying how to respond. It’s a powerful tool for strategic decision-making, especially in times of economic shifts, policy changes, leadership transitions or community crises.

Tools & Templates

Alford Group - Nonprofit Scenario Planning Worksheet Template - a free, easy-to-use tool designed by experts to help nonprofit leaders anticipate challenges, adapt strategies, and strengthen financial resilience
La Piana Consulting – Scenario Planning Workbook - Designed for leadership teams and boards
National Council of Nonprofits Scenario Planning Guide - Explains types of scenarios and how to plan for them
Propel Nonprofits - Emergency Succession Plan Template - 2-part template designed to serve as a guide to help nonprofit leaders craft an emergency response plan
The Bridgespan Group – Scenario Planning Toolkit - Step-by-step guide for nonprofit leaders

Articles

Downloadable Fundraising Templates & Materials - Available Here

Handpicked highlights to get you started:

Forefront – Illinois-based resources, training and connections
- Mission Sustainability Initiative (MSI) at Forefront is dedicated to helping nonprofits thrive by providing the resources for leaders to regularly and thoughtfully explore collaboration and partnership strategies.
- YouTube Library: Forefront has compiled a list of recordings of webinars, workshops and services. This is a great resource to learn about Forefront's offerings and programs.
Kellogg On-Demand Training – Nonprofit management courses and resources
National Council of Nonprofits – Best practices and advocacy

Stay informed on the latest changes impacting nonprofits:

- Explore insights from Forefront and the National Council of Nonprofits (NCN)
- Access past Friday LCCF Nonprofit E-Blasts on Impact of Executive Actions on the Nonprofit Sector

Leadership Development

LCCF defines leadership development as opportunities that help build a pipeline of competent, emerging leaders for the county’s nonprofit sector, increasing access to quality programming and building the overall leadership capacity of the nonprofit sector.

Strong leadership drives nonprofit impact. Explore resources designed to help executive directors, managers, and board members strengthen their skills, inspire teams and lead with purpose.

Center for Creative Leadership - Improving Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations
- Practical strategies for self-awareness, authenticity and ongoing personal leadership growth
LaPiana - Blog Posts on Leadership
- These blog posts share practical tips, personal stories and insights on leadership growth, team management and navigating the unique challenges of the nonprofit sector
The Bridgespan Group - How Nonprofit Leadership Development Sustains Organizations and Their Teams
- Focus on building leadership competencies using the 70-20-10 model (experience, mentoring, formal training)

Structured training opportunities that build nonprofit leadership skills through self-paced or instructor-led courses. Ideal for those looking to strengthen management and strategy practices.

BoardSource - Governance and board leadership training
Fundamentals of Fundraising, AFP Chicago - Offered by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Chicago Chapter, this course provides practical training in fundraising principles, making it ideal for early-career professionals and emerging nonprofit leaders
Kellogg Nonprofit Management Executive Education - executive education programs for nonprofit leaders that combine academic rigor with practical application, helping participants tackle challenges unique to the philanthropic sector
Nonprofit and NGO Studies Program - Northern Illinois University's (NIU) Nonprofit and NGO Studies Program offers undergraduate and graduate-level courses, certificates, and training in nonprofit leadership, governance and management
Nonprofit Leadership & Business Courses - McHenry County College offers affordable, local classes and workshops in nonprofit management, business development, and leadership for individuals looking to grow their impact in the community

Opportunities to learn alongside and from other nonprofit professionals. These networks foster support, shared problem-solving, and leadership growth through connection and collaboration.

Executive Leadership Program - The Allstate Foundation, in partnership with Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, provides nonprofit leaders with an immersive, collaborative experience that blends theory and practice to address challenges specific to the philanthropic sector
Faith in Place Eco Ambassador Program - a program that empowers youth ages 14–18 from Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin to become environmental justice leaders through education, mentorship, and connection with experts from diverse fields.
Forefront Racial Equity Collective Cohort (REC) - a Forefront-led multi-sector collaboration of DEI leaders, non-profit + private sector organizations, philanthropic funders, and legislators committed to creating sustainable systemic change that will address and counteract the myriad of systemic inequities and divestments in the social impact sector in Illinois
Illinois Partners for Human Service Advancing Racial Equity - Workshop participants join a community of practice to exchange best practices, address challenges, and share strategies for moving beyond power dynamics rooted in white supremacy and racial injustice.
Lake County Equity Working Group - a program for executive directors that provides a collaborative space for leaders to support each other in driving institutional change through equitable policies, practices, processes and cultural shifts.
Lake County Nonprofit Executive Director Roundtable - designed to strengthen connections and promote collaboration
and resource sharing amongst nonprofit executive directors in Lake County
Mano a Mano Liderazgo Program - a first-of-its-kind leadership development program dedicated to empowering emerging Latino leaders by building their capacity, strengthening civic connections, and deepening their understanding of policy and community issues