Nonprofit Advocacy Training, Policy Update and Dialogue with Forefront

Join NICNE and Forefront for a half-day, in-person gathering designed for nonprofit leaders to engage in real connection, honest conversation, and unite around opportunities for practical action in response to legislative issues facing the nonprofit sector. When we come together, we find strength, inspiration, and new ways forward.

Date: Tuesday, October 7

Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Location: NICNE at NIU Rockford, 8500 E State St, Rockford, IL 61108

Cost: $30 NICNE Members, $40 General Admission

Holly Ambuehl, Senior Director of Policy and Government Affairs at Forefront, will lead an interactive training on nonprofit advocacy and lobbying. For 50 years, Forefront has served as a trusted resource and leader committed to educating, unifying, and mobilizing the sector in Illinois.

She will share a detailed state and federal legislative update, covering key topics such as:

• An explanation of the current impact of Executive Orders and ongoing litigation on the sector and those we serve;
• The impact of HR1 (the One Big Beautiful Bill Act); and
• The threat of repeal of the Johnson Amendment, a provision in the federal tax code Section 501(c)(3) enacted in 1954 to prohibit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits, including charities and religious institutions, from endorsing or opposing political candidates.

The day will close with a hands-on, facilitated forum filled with insightful discussion where you will:

• Share the most urgent challenges facing your organization and the communities you serve;
• Identify shared challenges and emerging needs;
• Explore new opportunities for collaboration and partnership to amplify our collective voice and uplift the value of our sector.

Our conversation will be rooted in the real needs of the communities we serve in the Rockford region, ensuring solutions will be relevant and actionable. Come together to identify how we can best unite as a sector to rise to the challenges of the current era.

About Holly Ambuehl, Senior Director of Policy and Government Affairs: Holly was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ, where her extended family continues to reside, and enjoys hiking, camping, and skiing in the Western states whenever she can. Holly achieved a bachelor’s degree in family counseling with a minor in psychology from Anderson University, and a master’s degree in social work from Boston College, with a concentration in community organizing, policy, planning, and administration. Holly is widely travelled, and her breadth of life experience has served her well throughout her career as a policy professional, in that she is able to understand different perspectives on, and approaches to, the most pressing challenges faced by people and communities.

Holly lived in the mountains of Romania in between undergraduate and graduate schools, where she worked at a non-governmental organization supporting economic and community development in the Jiu Valley. After completing her graduate studies, Holly worked as a policy advisor in the Massachusetts Senate, the Arizona Governor’s Office, and the Arizona House, as well as a lobbyist for the Southwest Autism Research and Research Center and Children’s Action Alliance. More recently in Illinois, Holly oversaw all community investment at the United Way of McLean County and served as the Central Illinois community organizer for Illinois Partners for Human Service. Currently, Holly directs federal and state policy and advocacy as the Director of Policy and Government Affairs at Forefront, which is the statewide membership association for both operating nonprofits and foundations of all types in Illinois. In this role, Holly travels frequently to Chicago, Springfield, and Washington DC.

Holly’s long history of volunteer and community work includes six years on the John M. Scott Health Care Commission, a ~$17 million health care trust in Bloomington, including two years as Chair. Today, Holly still serves on the Commission’s Finance Committee and also on the Board of Directors of her former employer, Illinois Partners for Human Service.

Holly has lived in Normal, IL with her husband and son since 2014, where they enjoy long walks on the Constitution Trail and in the Parklands and supporting local restaurants.

About Lacee Winfield, Policy & Government Affairs Coordinator: Lacee was born and raised in Memphis TN. Lacee achieved a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology with a double concentration in Spanish and Business Administration from Millsaps College. In undergrad, Lacee interned for the Women’s Foundation of Mississippi and the Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofit and Philanthropy. Post graduation, Lacee had a career as a operations and research Associate for an Investment Firm based in Chicago. Lacee enjoys staying active, exploring Chicago’s food scene and spending quality time with her cat, Greyson.

About Forefront: Forefront is Illinois’ statewide association representing nonprofits and grantmakers, as well as their advisors and allies. For fifty years (founded in 1974), Forefront has served as a trusted resource and leader committed to educating, unifying, and mobilizing the sector in Illinois. Their mission is to build a vibrant social impact sector for all the people of Illinois. They provide education, advocacy, and thought leadership, and facilitate collective action around issues that are important to our members and to the sector. Their goal is to create a united and thriving social impact sector that has a transformative impact on the wellbeing and economic security of communities and promotes equity across the state of Illinois.

About NICNE: Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE) has been providing capacity building, training, technical assistance and resource support to nonprofit organizations within our region since August 2004. We are celebrating our 20th year as the region's primary resource for nonprofit management, initiative leadership, and leadership development. NICNE strengthens nonprofits and encourages collaboration resulting in a strong, vibrant nonprofit sector critical to a healthy community. NICNE's mission: Promote, model and grow innovation, excellence and social impact.

NICNE is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization affiliated with Northern Illinois University, Division of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development. Learn more at our website, www.niu.edu/nicne/

Host or Publisher Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE)