CNG presently works in partnership with the Galesburg Community Foundation serving nonprofit leadership teams within the foundation's Central Illinois service region. Read the CNG/Galesburg Case Study.

CNG provided the framework that the library board and library foundation board are currently lacking. As a result, trustees from both organizations will be developing a three-year strategic plan. The plan will provide the impetus to create measurable goals and objectives that will impact budget allocations and improved library services to the residents of Galesburg. I know from past experience that a long range plan can and does create opportunities for an organization and creates excitement for share holders. Shareholders can be donors or people who benefit from the services offered by the organization. Either way, you have buy-in from your community.

Pam Van Kirk, Galesburg Public Library

As a member of the Board of the Galesburg Community Foundation, I participated in the beta version of the Certificate for Non-profit Governance training. I found that the sessions helped me as a board member to keep my eyes on the mission of the Foundation. The training was straightforward and easy to understand. Beyond that, I was able to work collaboratively with other members of my organization to build consensus on roles and responsibilities, which will allow us to be even more effective. The Certificate for Non-profit Governance training is definitely time well spent and a unique opportunity for the Galesburg community.

Joel Estes
Vice-Chair, Galesburg Community Foundation

Kathryn Vanden Berk

Kathryn Vanden Berk has been providing advice and consultation to nonprofit organizations since graduating from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1979. She is now located in Chicago, Illinois, where she focuses her work on notfor-profit, tax-exempt organizations.

Ms. Vanden Berk has successfully taken a wide variety of organizations

through the start-up process, including state incorporation and charitable registrations, and both federal and state tax exemptions. She has advised both large and small organizations on issues of governance, leadership, management, corporate structure, taxation and employment administration. Her clients are nationwide.

Ms. Vanden Berk is a seasoned seminar leader and has trained attorneys, accountants and nonprofit leaders through the Nonprofit Financial Center, Chicago Bar Association, CPA-PI, Executive Service Corps, and the Council on Accreditation. She serves as adjunct faculty to the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management at North Park University. She is editor of Starting a Nonprofit Organization in Illinois: Do It Right the First Time, a handbook that is sold by the Donors Forum. Ms. Vanden Berk is the author of a chapter on Employment Law Issues in the IICLE Handbook on Not-for-Profit Corporations, (Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education) and of a handbook on employment law entitled: “Retooling Employment Standards for the Future.”