Disabilities Fund

Promoting the development of programs, policy, and public action that expands the empowerment, equal opportunity, inclusion, and participation of diverse persons with disabilities in the Chicago region.

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  • $1.34 Million

    Dollars Raised

  • $689,000+

    Dollars Granted

  • 17

    Active Donors

  • 55+

    Organizations Impacted

Three people talk together.

Current Advisory Board Members

Adam Ballard
(Interim Co-Chair)

Sadaf AjaniJae Jin Pak
Bri BeckRafael “Tizoc” Rico
Gizelle ClemensElon Sloan
Joyce OzehKatherine Vakil

About the Fund

The Disabilities Fund partners with and advises The Chicago Community Trust about disability inclusion and priorities for data-driven actionable solutions in the areas of employment, education, community inclusion and technology.

The Fund was established thanks to the generosity of Shawn Donnelley and the Naomi Williams Donnelley Fund.

A group of people gathered behind a podium with a sign reading ADA 25 Chicago as one women speaks into a microphone|A group of people gathered behind a podium with a sign reading ADA 25 Chicago as one women speaks into a microphone.

Accelerate Disability Inclusion

Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the ADA, the Disabilities Fund launched Accelerate Disability Inclusion, a digital campaign to raise awareness for disability advocacy and issues.

Learn More
Two children play with building blocks at the Access Chicago Expo

Did You Know?

There are over 800,000 people with disabilities in the Chicago region. 41,000 are young people. Yet the education and employment systems are failing them, even though solutions exist. Learn more about the intersection of youth and disability, and get inspired to take action.

Questions?

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    Promote the development of programs, policy, and public action that expands the empowerment, equal opportunity, inclusion, and participation of diverse persons with disabilities in the Chicago region.

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