A Better Chicago
/A Better Chicago
OVERVIEW: A Better Chicago supports fighting poverty and opportunities for youth in Chicago, Illinois.
FUNDING AREAS: Poverty, youth, education, workforce development, basic needs
IP TAKE: Organizations that serve Black and Latinx youth in Chicago should get to know this funder that takes a unique approach to give money for bold ideas and ongoing support.
PROFILE: Established in 2010, A Better Chicago is a venture philanthropy fund based in Chicago, Illinois. It is made up of a leadership council with members who serve as advisors and are business and civic leaders in the community. The organization also has a board of directors for strategic guidance and staff members to carry out operations. The co-founders are Adam Hitchcock of Sovern Infrastructure Group and Shakeeb Alam of East Bridge Capital Management. The organization aims to "build a more equitable city for our young people and future generations.” It funds local efforts for poverty, youth, education, workforce development and basic needs.
A Better Chicago works to address the fact that a quarter of youth in Chicago live in poverty. It prioritizes the needs of Black and Latinx communities that are trapped in cycles of intergenerational poverty. A Better Chicago raises money from donors to invest in effective youth-serving nonprofits. It has vetted hundreds of organizations but has chosen a portfolio of only a little over a dozen grantees. Venture Fund grantees receive seed investment money for models that are ready to scale. Growth Fund grantees receive investments to grow successful organizations, and Catalyst Fund grantees receive money to support leaders with innovative approaches on the South and West sides of the city. The group also launched an emergency relief fund in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grants range between about $50,000 and $600,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on Chicago, Illinois. Eligible geographies include the city of Chicago and suburban communities in Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, McHenry County and Will County. Past local grantees include KIPP Chicago, Chicago Scholars and West Side United.
This organization accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. The application process is online, and grantseekers should submit the required materials through an online form and by email. A Better Chicago makes funding decisions on a rolling basis and confirms receipt of applications within one business day of receipt. The Direct general questions to the staff at Grants@abetterchicago.org or 312-674-7088.
PEOPLE:
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