2021 Advancing Leadership Grants
Chicago has a wealth of diverse leaders and communities. But all too often structural racism and other forms of discrimination have limited access to resources and hindered leaders’ ability to influence the decisions that affect their communities.
In 2021, we made nearly $4 million in Advancing Leadership grants to promote diverse leaders whose influence will inform and improve decision-making across the metropolitan region. We renewed support for both individuals and leadership development programs and made small grants to facilitate professional development for leaders working in nonprofit organizations. By helping to create the conditions that support leaders with diverse perspectives, we can advance equity and strengthen communities.
Support For Individual Leaders
- Field Foundation of Illinois: $2,100,000 over three years in support of the Leaders for a New Chicago awards.
Support For Leadership Programs
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Chicago: $75,000 over one year in support of general operations.
- Chicago United for Equity: $150,000 over two years in support of the CUE Equity Fellowship and Senior Fellowship leadership development programs.
- Chicago Urban League: $225,000 over three years in renewed support of its IMPACT Leadership Development Program.
- Crossroads Fund: $450,000 over two years in support of the Cultivate leadership program and the Capacity Building Initiative.
- Disability Lead: $225,000 over three years in support of leadership advancement programs for individuals with disabilities.
- Latino Policy Forum: $225,000 over three years in support of the Multicultural Leadership Academy.
- Mujeres Latinas en Acción: $75,000 over one year in support of general operations.
- Public Allies: $150,000 over two years in renewed support of its signature leadership program.
- Surge Institute: $75,000 over one year in support of general operations.
Support For Leadership Advancement through Special Events and within Organizations
In 2021, we supported the following community gatherings and peacebuilding events:
- Love, Unity, and Values Institute hosted the Parade of Hearts
- Youth Peace Enterprises dba Chicago International Youth Peace Movement held HERStory: My Sisters’s Keeper Community Peace Bash in Bronzeville
We also made 15 small grants of approximately $2,500 each for grant recipients’ staff members to pursue specialized training or to participate in professional development programs.
