Young Leaders Fund Awards $75,000 to Small, Start-Up Nonprofits

The Young Leaders Fund (YLF), an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust provides young professionals with an innovative way to make a difference in Chicago. With support from the Trust, YLF members research innovative grassroots organizations, conduct site visits, evaluate grant requests, and make award decisions. Through this process, members become more effective volunteers and more knowledgeable civic leaders, paving the way for them to develop as the next generation of philanthropists. 

In 2024, YLF granted $75,000 in general operating support to 14 small, start-up nonprofits in the Chicago region in the areas of Arts & Culture, Child Development & Education, and Community & Economic Development.

The following grant partners received funding for YLF’s 2024 cycle: 

Arts and Culture

• Blanc Gallery: Located in Bronzeville, Blanc Gallery supports Black artists and storytelling, including through the “Parkway Picture Show,” a monthlong program featuring original and classic Black films.
• Hearing in Color: Hearing in Color creates space for artists and audiences who have felt unwelcome in traditional musical spaces, with programs including a new resident vocal ensemble and Young Composer in Residence.
• Physical Theatre Festival: Physical Theater Festival showcases new forms of contemporary, visual, and physical theater being performed worldwide through an annual festival in Chicago.
• SpaceShift Collective: SpaceShift Collective engages in placemaking work on Devon Avenue, including summer and fall programs at Shamiana, an interactive public art installation and gathering space.

Childhood Education and Development

• Bricks of Hope: Bricks of Hope’s mission is to create play and inspire imagination in sick kids during their hospital stays with the simple gift of LEGO®.
• City Motivators: City Motivators’ programs such as Chi Youth Leadership Program and College Essential Care Kit Program provide resources, mentorship, and support to at risk youth ages 8 to 18 years old to build a stronger, more engaged community.
• Diaper Bank of Chicago: The Diaper Bank of Chicago provides diapers, books, and support to families across Chicago and works to educate the public on diaper need.
• Hey Benji Foundation: Hey Benji Foundation provides resources to children and families through summer programming with partner schools including a Social Emotional Learning curriculum.
• Project Mobility: Project Mobility provides adaptive bikes to children, adults, and wounded soldiers with disabilities.

Community and Economic Development

• Chicago Tool Library: The Chicago Tool Library provides equitable access to tools, equipment, and information to allow all Chicagoans to learn, share, and create.
• Free Root Operation: Free Root Operation’s mission is to target the prevention of poverty-induced gun violence.
• NDoula Community Alliance: NDoula Community Alliance is a healing justice initiative aimed at improving outcomes for Black mothers and other medically vulnerable populations.
• Orange Tent Project: Orange Tent Project provides sturdy, weather-resistant tents to unhoused populations in the Chicago area.
• Disruptive Inc: Disruptive Inc works to reduce poverty among single parents between the ages of 18 – 40 through programs and networking events.