News & Announcements

Spotlight on Humboldt Park

Our July 2023 issue of Deskside, our regular newsletter, was devoted to Humboldt Park, one of three communities chosen to participate in our Neighborhood Developers Initiative (NDI). Let’s learn more about the leaders, organizations, and efforts happening in Humboldt...

Spotlight on Englewood

Our May 2023 issue of Deskside, our regular newsletter, was devoted to Englewood, one of three communities chosen to participate in our Neighborhood Developers Initiative (NDI). Let’s learn more about the leaders, organizations, and efforts happening in Englewood...

Spotlight on South Shore

Our March 2023 issue of Deskside, our regular newsletter, was devoted to South Shore, one of the three communities chosen to participate in our Neighborhood Developer Initiative (NDI). Over the next few months, we will shine a light on NDI leaders and the great work...

Client Profile: Urban Market Exchange

Local artisans tend to have two choices when just starting out – either they can travel to shared maker spaces on the north side of Chicago, or they can work from their own basements and kitchen tables. Quandra Speights, a Chicago native who has supported nonprofits...

The Atlantic: Our Chicago: A Blueprint for Better Communities

Communities across the country are in a state of flux, and Chicago's are no different. Faced with steep challenges, longtime residents are establishing sustainable growth through housing development, community investment, and entrepreneurship opportunities—and...

Ja’Net Defell: Unlocking access to capital

By Ja'Net Defell, Director I grew up on the South Side of Chicago in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood. It was and still is a predominately Black community. I remember as a child that the highlight of my day was walking to the local family-owned grocer. The store was no...