Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence

Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE) has been strengthening nonprofits by providing capacity building, training, leadership development, technical assistance and resource support to organizations within northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin since August 2004.

We believe in investing in people and organizations that make communities in our area safer, healthier, and more vibrant. We do so by providing training opportunities which help nonprofits successfully achieve their missions.

As the region’s primary resource for nonprofit capacity and movement building, we lead collaboration and share best practices that result in a strong, vibrant nonprofit sector demonstrating significant social impact critical to a healthy community.

NICNE is an independent 501 (c) (3) organization affiliated with Northern Illinois University, Division of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development.

Our mission is to promote, model and grow innovation, excellence and social impact.

Learn more about:

• Course offerings
• Resources
• Consulting
• Membership

Financial Information

Form 990’s can be found on GuideStar.

NICNE History

The Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE) was founded in 2004 to strengthen the nonprofit sector across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Over the past two decades, it has grown into a leading regional resource for nonprofit excellence, collaboration, and innovation.

Central to NICNE’s success has been its founder, Pam Clark Reidenbach. Drawing on her extensive experience as a nonprofit executive, consultant, and community leader, Clark Reidenbach envisioned a model that would help nonprofits strengthen their leadership, governance, and organizational capacity. Her commitment to collaboration and community problem-solving shaped not only NICNE’s mission and culture, but also the way organizations and partners throughout the region work together to address challenges and meet community needs.

Under her leadership, NICNE became a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in 2017, and has evolved into a highly respected nonprofit support organization serving thousands of nonprofit professionals and hundreds of organizations each year. Through her vision and dedication, NICNE helped build a stronger nonprofit sector equipped to address complex social challenges and enhance quality of life across the region.

Pam Clark Reidenbach’s legacy extends beyond the organization she founded. By investing in nonprofit leaders, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and championing the essential role nonprofits play in thriving communities, she helped create a stronger, more connected network of organizations and partners dedicated to excellence in service and community impact.

Because of the strong foundation she built alongside countless community partners, NICNE has become an enduring force for nonprofit excellence and community impact and is well positioned to continue growing, strengthening organizations, and advancing meaningful collaborations that improve lives and communities throughout our region for years to come.