MacArthur’s Chicago Commitment makes Community Capital grants to spur innovation or growth and to strengthen the capacity of organizations so they can invest in their long-term sustainability. Among other uses, these funds can support organizational infrastructure and technology, the implementation of a strategic plan, and/or cash reserves to promote financial stability. In 2019, six Chicago organizations that focus on community safety and gun violence prevention received Community Capital grants totaling $3,360,000:
Alliance of Local Service Organizations (ALSO)works in partnership with people living in risk of violence to promote safer streets and homes.
BYP100 Education Fund is a Chicago-based national activist member-based organization of black 18-to-35-year-old activists and organizers, dedicated to creating justice and freedom through a black queer feminist lens.
Enlace Chicago convenes, organizes, and builds the capacity of Little Village stakeholders to confront systemic inequities and barriers to economic and social access. Enlace Chicago is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of Little Village residents by fostering a safe and healthy environment and by championing opportunities for educational advancement and economic development.
House Development Corporation, known as The Firehouse Community Arts Center, helps cultivate young people, ages 13-25 in North Lawndale, to live with purpose, walk with authority, and thrive based on the strength of their character. The Firehouse engages the arts for violence intervention and prevention, using the tools of social emotional learning to equip young people to live as agents of change in the community.
Sweet Water Foundation utilizes a blend of urban agriculture, art, and education to transform vacant spaces and abandoned buildings into economically and ecologically productive and sustainable community assets that produce engaged youth, skilled workers, art, locally-grown food, and affordable housing.
Youth Peace Center of Roseland is a leader in the community for transforming the lives of at-risk individuals through mentoring, job readiness training, and violence prevention programming.
