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February 21: Governing & Operational Documents

March 06: Organizational Structure & Volunteers

March 20: Leadership Development 

April 03:   Non-Profit Financial Management

April 17: Dialogue With Donors

May 01:  Diversifying Your Funding Plan

HISTORY

Goodcity was founded in 1986 by Rev. William (Bud) Ipema as MidAmerica Leadership Foundation around the idea that many community leaders have the drive and faith commitment to make a difference, but lack the skills and access to resources that can make their visions real. Goodcity addresses that deficit by providing consultation, financial management and skills training for local leaders – empowering residents to address local needs efficiently and effectively.

Highlights:

  • In 2011, Goodcity won the LISC Chicago Neighborhood Development Special Recognition Award
  • In 2009 and 2010, Goodcity won the Best of Chicago Technical Institute Best of Business Award
  • In 2007, Goodcity received the Shore Bank Faith-Based Community Impact Award
  • In 2004, Goodcity spun off its CED Initiative to become Asset Builders which continues to coordinate financial education, peer counseling and match funding so that economically disenfranchised people can save for homes, businesses or post-secondary education.
  • Goodcity was instrumental in bringing the Communities in Schools movement to Chicago. Goodcity provided board development consultation and fiscal management services for Chicago Communities in Schools, an organization that provides 68,000 students and their families access to health and human services in 100 Chicago Public Schools at no cost to CPS.
  • Michael T. Ivers became the second president in May, 2001, after spending 27 years as a Catholic priest in Chicago. Mike views himself as a relationship builder and racial reconciler. He came to Goodcity to continue working with people of all stations in life and improve lives right here in Chicago.
  • Goodcity established a partnership with World Vision that resulted in Storehouse, 5001 W. Harrison, a warehouse that distributes millions of dollars in donated new building supplies to churches, organizations and economically disadvantaged people in Chicago at minimal cost.
  • Goodcity received HUD’s Best of the Best Practices Award in 2000 for its Community and Economic Development Program.