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

Nike Whitcomb

Nike B. Whitcomb, CFRE, is the principal at Whitcomb Associates, a firm offering a full complement of services in fundraising, management and marketing to the non-profit sector. She has 40 years of experience in management, marketing, public relations and fund raising in both the public and private sectors. She has raised more than $275 million in her career with and for her clients, primarily for small to mid-size organizations. She is a well-rounded fundraiser, with experience in feasibility studies, capital campaign planning and implementation, volunteer recruitment and training, sponsorship and underwriting, major gifts programs, annual gifts programs, special events and marketing for non-profits.

Nike was the first female president of the Chicago Chapter of NSFRE (now AFP), from whom she received the President’s award for outstanding performance in 1980, and served 8 years on the national board. She also received the 1978 Young Alumnus Award from her alma mater, Millikin University.

She is also the lead trainer at the firm, providing seminars and special sessions on donor cultivation and solicitation. She is co-author of Money Makers, a Guide to Special Events Fundraising, has authored numerous articles about fundraising for AFP, NSFRE, Fundraising Management Magazine, Prentice Hall and other publications, and is at work on a book on capital campaign planning and implementation.