The current COVID-19 pandemic and shelter in place orders have delayed our move and prolonged the Library's closure. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Forefront is moving! The Library will also become a by appointment space when we reopen. Thank you for your understanding during this transition.
In light of the shelter in place order and to help safeguard the health of our Forefront community, the move to the FBRK Impact House has been delayed. We will post updates as they are available. Please check our resource page for information regarding the nonprofit sector's response to the COVID-19 situation.
February 14, 2020 - The last day the Forefront Library will be open to the public in our current space.
March 5, 2020 - The Introduction to Prospect Research: Individual Donors workshop will take place in the Forefront Large Conference Room as planned.
Thank you for your patience and for coming on this journey with us!
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For member reference services: Member411@myforefront.org |
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For general questions: Library@myforefront.org |
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Call a Librarian: 312-578-0175 |
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Forefront will be an anchor tenant of the new FBRK Imapct House at 200 West Madison Street. Once completed, FBRK Impact House will be Chicago’s first innovation-based philanthropy center dedicated to supporting and serving grantmakers, family foundations and impact investors. Read more about it on our announcement page.
The Library will be on the second floor of the building and we will be open to the public on an appointment basis. Everyone will be able to access the same sector resources and expertise from our staff in the new space.
UPDATE: How has the COVID-19 crisis affected the Library? Library staff is working from home to the best of their ability to continue providing assistance. Forefront members are welcome to continue sending in requests to member411@myforefront.org. Also, Candid is currently providing free access to Foundation Directory Online Essential through this link. If you have specific questions, please contact us.
What does "by appointment" mean? The Forefront Library will still be open to everyone. To visit click the Schedule an Appointment button on our main page (http://library.myforefront.org) and select a time. This new system will allow for more flexible hours. It will also grant Librarians time to curate relevant resources for each appointment and provide one-on-one attention for visitors.
Will I be able to work at my own pace? Yes. The appointment scheduling form will be updated to allow visitors to select options of self-paced research as well as guided research time with Library staff.
Is Forefront closing for this whole month? No, only the Library space will be closing in preparation for the move. Workshops, meetings, and other appointments will continue normally. Forefront offices are currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check our resource page for information regarding the nonprofit sector's response.
Is there any way to reach the Library during the closure? Yes, we will be checking email during this period. There may be a delay in response time due to other duties but we will be available.
How can I access Foundation Directory Online or the Library's other subscription databases? Forefront members can continue to make research requests through the Member411 email address. For Foundation Directory Online and other nonprofit resources, check to see if there is another Candid Funding Information Network partner near you.
I have a question that isn't answered here. Reach out to us at library@myforefront.org and we will do our best to answer.