Meeting the Needs of Suburban Philanthropic Organizations

In 1986, a group of development professionals began meeting in the western suburbs of Chicago.  Seven years later, this group was invited by the Chicago Chapter of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives (better known today as the Association of Fundraising Professionals) to participate in a special interest group.  By the fall of 2002, the group had grown so large it was no longer simply a special interest group, it was decided to establish the West Suburban Philanthropic Network. Today, WSPN brings together more than 200 members from the philanthropic community of the western suburbs of Chicago and is an independent 501(c)(3) organization. Members consist of fundraisers, funders, nonprofit staff, corporate and foundation leaders, volunteers and others interested in advancing philanthropy.

Click to read more about WSPN's history and its founders.

WSPN's Mission:

To offer support to development professionals and advance philanthropy.

WSPN fulfills this mission in the following ways:

• To offer support to development professionals, volunteers, funders, donors and others interested in philanthropy who live and/or work in the western suburbs of Chicago, Illinois..
• To maintain and improve the professional standards of those in the philanthropic field.
• To provide educational programs for professional advancement and for improving on-the-job performance.
• To develop leaders within the profession. 
• To provide opportunities for the exchange of ideas and information.
• To build public awareness of the philanthropic community.
• To partner with other organizations to accomplish our mission. 

Membership benefits include:

• Offers 8-10 programs from September to June.
• Brings a special speaker to the western suburbs to present on a current nonprofit topic.
• Hosts an Annual Awards Luncheon to recognize local philanthropists, organizations and volunteers.
• Provides scholarships to members to attend local seminars, conferences, and classes related to philanthropy.
• Provides an opportunity for organizations to pay a fee to post job openings on the WSPN website

WSPN continues its longstanding tradition of providing guidance, research, networking opportunities, and education to those who serve nonprofit organizations in the western suburbs. 

WSPN is a volunteer-led organization with a board dedicated to serving their fellow development professionals. 

Please feel free to contact any board member directly with any questions, comments or concerns or let us know of your interest in further involvement with the organization. Click here to get in touch with a board member.

WSPN endorses the Association of Fundraising Professional’s Code of Ethical Principles and Standards of Professional Practice.