Chicago Commitment

Investing in people, places, and partnerships to advance racial equity and build a more inclusive Chicago.
Hexagon collage with images featuring Chicago kids at a festival and an image of Chicago building’s shadows on Lake Michigan.

Why We Support This Work

Chicago is a global city with vibrant, diverse neighborhoods and a strong civic culture. And yet systemic racism creates unequal access to resources and opportunities for Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, LGBTQIA+, and disabled people and communities—especially when these multiple identities intersect. A resilient and dynamic Chicago region is dependent upon a more equitable Chicago, where every Chicagoan has the opportunity to prosper and contribute to their community and where Chicago’s diverse voices are elevated, recognized, respected, and included.

What We Are Doing

We focus on strengthening local organizations including the creative sector, supporting civic partnerships on timely issues, investing in vital communities, and advancing diverse and influential leaders.

Learn About Our Strategy Right Arrow


Our Areas of Focus

Our focus areas were designed with the priorities of Chicagoans in mind—taking heed of what residents and leaders believe are the most urgent concerns and promising solutions.

Civic Partnerships

Civic Partnerships

Leading or participating in partnerships to address critical or timely challenges with the goal of advancing racial equity and building a more inclusive Chicago.

Learn More Right Arrow
Vital Communities

Vital Communities

Investing targeted resources in a small number of place-based initiatives and organizations that provide infrastructure support to neighborhoods.

Learn More Right Arrow
Advancing Leadership

Advancing Leadership

Promoting and advancing diverse leaders whose influence will inform and improve decision-making across the city.

Learn More Right Arrow
Culture, Equity, and the Arts

Culture, Equity, and the Arts

Reflecting diverse creative sector voices and sustaining the creative life of the city.

Learn More Right Arrow

Representative Grants