One Chicago invests in local heroes who are tackling challenges and amplifying positives in Chicago’s 77+ proud, diverse neighborhoods.
Welcome to the One Chicago Fund
Working with residents, our support helps strengthen neighborhoods.
Masking up Chicago’s hardest hit communities
How a stich in time helped save lives
As the coronavirus swept across the city, the need for masks became critical – particularly, in minority communities. Thankfully, mask giveaways – hosted by elected officials, faith-based leaders, small business owners – provided the donation of hundreds of thousands of free masks to residents.
Additionally, smaller efforts provided large results. In Back of the Yards, Ballet Folklorico, renowned for its beautiful costumes designed by caring seamstresses, designed and created masks for first responders left without COVID-19 protection. And, State Representative LaShawn Ford partnered with a small group of African-American men to back the #MaskUpandLive campaign designed to encourage young people to wear masks.
Making the American dream a reality for immigrants
ABIC Summit re-ignites bipartisan support for DACA
Convening hundreds of thought leaders from across the nation, the American Business Immigration Council’s (ABIC) Summit sought bipartisan solutions to address legalization and citizenship for more than 11 million undocumented workers, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and temporary protected status (TPS) immigrants.
Among the presenters and panelists at “Reigniting the Economic Engine: Immigration Solutions for 2021” Summit was Alejandro Mayorkas, President-Elect Joe Biden’s pick for Department of Homeland Security secretary. Mayorkas vowed to “roll up our sleeves starting on Day 1 to fix what is broken, to keep families together and to build an immigration system that works for all of us.”
Reinventing “Halloweek” with more treats, few tricks
Culminating “parade” provides safety and fun in new norm
From wearing masks for safety to making mask-wearing fun and safely, Halloween week in Chicago ended on an upside-down note. The grand finale was a stationary parade enabling attendees to enjoy a showcase of the city’s cultural community from their cars.
Hosted by Arts in the Dark, the parade drew more than 1,000 cars loaded with trick-or-treaters of all ages for a drive through Washington Park to enjoy live music and performances, including the South Shore Drill Team. Led by Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the parade provided all attendees with a goodie bag filled with candy and sweet treats from Blommer Chocolate Company.
COVID-19 relief unites Chicagoans
From penny-drives to large donations, Chicagoans’ generosity is not surprising.
This heartwarming generosity is helping to meet residents’ growing needs such as food and rent.
Risking their lives to save others
Chicago expresses love and gratitude with essential workers
From encouraging words from former First Lady Michelle Obama to lighting up the Chicago skyline and comfortable footwear donated by Nike, healthcare workers, police and fire department personnel and others can’t be thanked enough for their continued commitment to helping others survive the impact of COVID-19.
“From the security to the front-door staff to the ICU, there’s not a member of our team not willing to stand up. Not only is our staff willing to work, they are volunteering,” said Dr. Omar Lateef, president and CEO, Rush University Medical Center.
Turning houses into affordable homes
LISC Chicago enhances the quality of life in neighborhoods across the city
Partnering with community residents and organizations to forge resilient, inclusive neighborhoods is why the Chicago chapter of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) has been successful in economic development.
Its annual Community Neighborhood Development Awards – which recognize those who play a vital role in building communities through outstanding real estate development and architectural achievement – are among the many ways LISC builds wealth and creates opportunities across the city.
A global response to changes in the way we gather, engage and learn
Enriching Chicago with new concepts for shared spaces
Using a reinvented, responsive global platform, the Chicago Architecture Biennial’s fourth edition will explore the intersection of architecture and design, and critical issues such as health, sustainability, equity, and racial justice.
Titled “The Available City,” the 2021 edition considers the impact that collective spaces and vacant lots can have in metropolitan areas. Chicago-based designer, researcher and educator David Brown serves as artistic director of the Biennial which opens in September 2021.
About Us
Since 2011, from Maggie Daley Park to North Lawndale housing and beyond, One Chicago Fund supports organizations through sweat equity and direct investments.
Lynn Lockwood
Vice President & Board Director
Sarah Pang
President & Board Director
Katrina Waddy
Director, Community Engagement & Communications
Neighborhood Heroes, Partners & Connections
Neighborhood heroes and partners include residents, community organizations, businesses and elected officials – all connected by a shared vision of a one Chicago and striving for a better future. Take a glimpse at a growing list of the heroes we celebrate, support and have connected with along the way.
Contact Us
For additional information or to connect with the One Chicago Fund, please contact us at info@theonechicagofund.org, 312-894-3455; or send us a note.