Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Chicago

Our Mission

The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Chicago (YNPN Chicago) strengthens the nonprofit community by providing accessible professional development, resources, and networking opportunities for young professionals involved in the Chicago-area nonprofit sector.

Our Vision

YNPN Chicago envisions a community of engaged and inspired leaders working together to advance society’s greater good.

Our History

The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Chicago (YNPN Chicago) was founded in 2001 to provide support and resources for young professionals working in the local nonprofit community. YNPN Chicago has since become Chicago’s leading organization to connect and develop nonprofit professionals in order to strengthen local charitable and philanthropic efforts and maximize their impact on social change. We are operated and governed by a volunteer Executive Board and supported heavily by community partners.

YNPN Chicago was born out of the knowledge that there are not enough opportunities for young nonprofit professionals in Chicago to interact, share best practices, or receive social and professional support. As a result, nonprofit workers burn out, and nonprofit organizations lose gifted future leaders. YNPN Chicago fills that void. Through accessible trainings, meetings, and social gatherings, young professionals are given a chance to make connections with each other, discuss issues that impact them, and help create a stronger Chicago nonprofit community. Currently, we are focusing on the retention and advancement of young talent in the nonprofit sector through a thematic catalogue of programs on relevant topics that meet the needs of young professionals at various states of their careers.

Our Focus on Diversity & Inclusion

YNPN Chicago views diversity and inclusion as indispensable to our development as a premier organization serving nonprofit professionals and strengthening the sector. Our commitment to valuing individual diversity means reaching beyond stereotypical views of individuals to be inclusive of the strengths and different perspectives that each person offers. Diversity is integral to our identity and is essential to creating a vibrant array of members, events, and programs with unique perspectives.

YNPN Chicago will move our diversity and inclusion initiatives forward by proactively working to:

• Ensure the design and execution of programs and events highlight and incorporate the diversity of Chicago neighborhoods and the nonprofit organizations within them.
• Promote accessibility and increased attendance to programs and events among YNPN Chicago members and organizational partners of diverse backgrounds.
• Utilize the YNPN Chicago website and social media presence to highlight the achievements of our diverse membership and the nonprofit organizations in which they work as well as provide opportunities for members from diverse backgrounds to network and connect with one another.
• Engage in sustainable, strategic partnerships with groups and organizations that support and enhance YNPN Chicago’s mission and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

About the National Network

The YNPN network began in San Francisco in 1997 and has grown into a nationwide grassroots movement with over 40 chapters across the country. Each chapter determines its local programming priorities, but nationally we work together to improve the nonprofit sector.

About the YNPN Chicago Executive Board

YNPN Chicago’s Executive Board is comprised of 15-20 young nonprofit professionals from the city’s premier mission-driven organizations. The all-volunteer, working board oversees all of YNPN Chicago’s operations and activities and is committed to strengthening the nonprofit community. Serving on the board offers a unique opportunity to influence the direction of Chicago’s nonprofit sector and the chance to interact with the city’s best and brightest public service leaders.

Learn more about our board members on our website.