In 2004-2005, ACN programs included...

Sept. 21, 2004 - Meet Your ACN Colleagues
At the 2004 get-acquainted program, ACN members enjoyed "60 Seconds of Consultant Fame." Attendees delivered their "elevator speeches," introducing their consulting practices to ACN colleagues, facillitating future networking and collaboration.

Oct. 20, 2004 - "What is Logic Modeling + why do so many nonprofits care about it?"
Leah Kinney, Program Manager in Evaluation for the United Way, described the utility of logic modelling for nonprofits, and explained practical basics of logic modelling, including details of logic model components: context, inputs, strategies/activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts.

Nov. 18, 2004 - "Outsourcing in Nonprofit Organizations: Remedy or Risk?"
Panelists Duane G. Hickling (Principal, Hickling and Associates), Denise Stennis (CFRE, Director of Development, Family Service + Mental Health Center of Oak Park + River Forest), and Mary Ann Sullivan (Executive Director, Government Assistance Program) discussed the real benefits and challenges of outsourcing, from both the nonprofit's and the consultant's perspectives.

Jan 18, 2005 - "Social Entrepreneurship: Using Business Enterprise Skills To Develop Earned Revenue for Your Nonprofit."
High performing nonprofits are looking beyond traditional forms of income generation to obtain the resources needed to achieve their missions. Experienced consultant Hope Spruance detailed the what, where, and why of "social entrepreneurship," a growing field in these uncertain economic times.

Feb 16, 2005 - "Closing the Deal: Sales Techniques for Consultants"
Successful consultants wield sales strategies suitable for selling consulting services to nonprofit organizations, including knowing how to "close the deal." Merit Gest, V.P. of Total Selling Solutions, Inc. and the Sandler Sales Institute, explained effective sales techniques during this engaging and highly motivating program.

Mar 24, 2005 - "Tools for Diversifying Nonprofit Organizations"
Creating culturally inclusive environments from board through staff levels is crucial to the success of nonprofit organizations. Kaleidoscope Group, LLC founder Bea Young and senior consultant Russell Nicholson led this very well-attended interactive session on how to expand one's worldview to encompass diversity and foster inclusion.

Apr 19, 2005 - "Illinois Nonprofits—Recent Research + Implications for the Sector"
Two recent Donors Forum reports, A Portrait of the Nonprofit Sector in Illinois and Illinois Nonprofits: A Profile of Charities and Advocacy Organizations illustrate in statistical detail the broad range of nonprofit organizations in Illinois. DF Director of Research Suzannah Cowell summarized the major findings and led discussion of how the data can inform our work with diverse NFP groups.

May 18, 2005 - "BLINK: Sizing Up Client-Consultant Collaborations Quickly"
Drawing on research by social commentator Malcolm Gladwell, author of the best-sellers, The Tipping Point and Blink, Jim Troxel of Millennia Consulting, LLC explored how consultants can "train their intuition" to establish positive client collaborations in the very first moments of initial interviews, effectively enhancing selling techniques and sales through more successful interviewing.

June 16, 2005 - Annual Meeting
Following a catered luncheon, ACN's Annual Meeting of the Membership included reports on the past year's activity and election of new Board members. Featured speaker Valerie Lies, President and CEO of the Donors Forum of Chicago, addressed "Preserving the Public Trust Initiative," an issue of vital important to both nonprofits and the consultants who serve them. The initiative posits a common set of guidelines for all organizations to follow: the Illinois Nonprofit Principles and Best Practices.