To become a member, you must be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in the Chicago area and be working on global development issues. You must have staff or board members in the Chicago area, be engaged in activities (or provide technical assistance to organizations that have activities) dedicated to improving the economic, social and/or environmental conditions in developing countries and/or dedicated to addressing the needs and issues impacting immigrant and refugee communities in the Chicago area. The membership benefits extend to all staff and board members as appropriate. All nonprofit groups will be considered members; other interested entities will be considered partners.
- $150Up to $100,000
- $250$100,000–$499,999
- $500$500,000–$999,999
- $750$1,000,000–$2,999,999
- $1,000$3,000,000 and above
Members will be given priority consideration for physical space when available.
Benefits of Membership
Members will enjoy access to a diverse network of peers and a wealth of resources that will enable them to work faster and more effectively.
- Enhance the profile and amplify the presence of your organization
- Your name and logo included on Simmons Center website - readily connecting interested people to you and you to service providers
- Promote your organization’s events and news on Simmons Center website and social media
- Recognition in Simmons Center promotional materials, social media, annual reports, website
- Access networking, organizational strengthening, and professional development
- Members-only discussion boards with colleagues
- Members-only affinity group meetings
- Members-only coaching and mentoring opportunities
- Members-only intern program
- Members-only grant opportunities
- Job Board for staff, interns, and board opportunities
- Free access to Simmons Center trainings and expert panels.
- Access to discounted affiliate expertise and training opportunities, such as audit and legal Q&A and referrals, and board development tools and training
- $250–$1,000Social enterprises, small businesses, consultants, and government entities
- $1,000-$10,000Universities and allied organizations
- $1,000-$25,000Philanthropists, foundations, wealth advisors
- $2,500-$25,000Business and corporate partners
Benefits of Partnership
Whether you are a consultant, donor, social enterprise, university program, small business, or corporation, you will find benefits from joining the Simmons Center for Global Chicago.
Social enterprises, small businesses, and consultants
- Learn about needs and markets
- Find resources for marketing and engagement
- Present and highlight products/services and increase visibility via Simmons Center website
- Network with peers and make connections with nonprofit community
Foundations, philanthropists, wealth and philanthropy advisors
- Participate in donor learning events
- Present grant portfolio strategies to global nonprofit groups
- Gain insights and access expertise through field reports, dialogue opportunities with practitioners
- Broaden and deepen reach of support in partnership with Simmons Center members
- Join effort to streamline grant making processes, improving responsiveness and engagement
- Access expert assessment to inform rapid response to crises for high impact mobilization
Universities and peer organizations
- Provide student engagement, research, and internship opportunities
- Connect faculty and research team to grassroots practitioners
- Collaborate to inform rapid response to crises for high impact mobilization
- Share and access thought leadership on addressing global challenges
Businesses and corporations
- Access globally engaged resources and partners
- Connect staff to learning, engagement, and board service opportunities
- Create local-global connection for strategic philanthropic impact
Members and partners commit to…
- Uphold the Simmons Center’s core values
- Promote the Simmons Center as a place to convene and strengthen the global Chicago community
- Share knowledge and information with your peers to create a stronger global Chicago community
- Participate in an annual survey of connections and activities
- Contribute to the Simmons Center community through leadership, working groups, peer collaboration, communications, or other channels