Advancing Racial Equity In Philanthropy, Non-Profit, and Fundraising
Breakin' It Down History
OUR HISTORY
Launched in 2003, the Breakin' It Down conference grew out of a desire to engage diverse nonprofit management and fundraising professionals in conversations about the present state and future of the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. Over the years, BID has dedicated ourselves to partnering with diverse nonprofit, philanthropic, and community leaders in the city, to plan and execute our conference programs. We believe this is the best way to help our communities thrive, and to continue to provide our nonprofit professionals with opportunities to build acumen and strengthen networks integral to organization success.
The BID conference brings together seasoned and emerging nonprofit fund development professionals and administrators; academics; students; and other stakeholders who serve under-represented and underserved communities, with experts and distinguished philanthropic and nonprofit leaders in the field.
OUR MISSION
The Breakin' It Down conference enriches and strengthens under-represented and underserved communities in the Chicago area by cultivating diverse change agents in the nonprofit fund development field through relevant programming to actively strengthen their fundraising capabilities, fund development and resources, and mission impact.
Denise Stennis Awards
About the Denise Stennis Awards
The Denise Stennis Awards pays tribute to the memory of Denise Stennis, a community leader, mentor, friend and a founding member of the Breakin' It Down conference. Well- known and regarded in the metropolitan Chicago nonprofit community, Denise served a number of social benefit, educational and cultural organizations. She directly influenced countless nonprofit decision-makers, fundraising volunteers, and the work as well as careers of many Chicago area development professionals. Denise wrote: “I use the word serve as a description of my responsibilities to the nonprofit community. I do not take that responsibility lightly. My love and faith in mankind is a driving force in my commitment to the profession and to those non-profits I have been fortunate to work with.”
2019 - Inaugural Awards
Individual - Sharon Bush, Executive Director - Grand Victoria Foundation
Organization - Erie Neighborhood House