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.
Ringing in 2023 with fun on the ice
Another unBOOlievable Halloweek in Chicago
In October, hundreds of residents kicked off Halloweek on a sunny Saturday afternoon in Washington Park for the third annual Upside Down parade featuring spooktacular dance, musical and theatrical performances from Chicago’s premiere groups. The week of fun included activities at neighborhood parks and local libraries; then, culminated with the Arts in the Dark parade along State Street.
2nd Summer Kickback Series puts teens in the drivers’ seat for event planning and execution
For 15 south and west side communities, Friday nights were alive with safe, free, fun events designed by teens for teens. During the 2022 Summer Kickback Series, participants enjoyed water games and board games, poetry slams and local deejays, e-gaming and paint parties, as well as food and treats from neighborhood eateries. This year’s series expanded to include Saturday night fun, “Low-Key Kickbacks” that also featured steppers and break-dancers, selfie stations, COVID-19 vaccinations and more.
The Summer Kickback Series was co-hosted by Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and First Lady Amy Eshleman, the Chicago Park District, Amazon, a host of City agencies, and the following 15 community organizations: CAPs, Teamwork Englewood, Gary Comer Youth Center, Firehouse Community Art Center, CHI-RISE, BUILD, Inc., Girls Inc., The Base, Breakthrough Ministries, Lost Boyz, Project Exploration, Agape Werks, Inc., Allianc 98, Phalanx, and New Eclipse.
Honoring Heroes Who Help Neighborhoods Soar
Celebrating 28 years of community and partnerships, LISC Chicago hosted its annual Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards, this summer. The event highlighted the efforts of people, organizations and community development corporations for outstanding achievements in real estate development and community building efforts that enrich local neighborhoods. Congratulations to the following 2022 honorees who you can learn more about by viewing the awards ceremony via the link above:
Valerio Dewalt Train & Media-Objectives for Ford Calumet Environmental Center
-1st Place – The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design
North Lawndale: The Next Chapter (led by the North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council)
-The Chicago Community Trust Outstanding Community Plan Award
North Lawndale Employment Network Campus
-The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Outstanding Non-Profit Neighborhood Real Estate Development Award
Culver’s – Pullman (Baron Waller & Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives)
-The For-Profit Real Estate Development Award
IMAN Food and Wellness Center
-The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Healthy Community Award
The Resurrection Project for Casa Veracruz
-The Polk Bros Foundation Affordable Rental Housing Preservation Award
Empowering Communities for Public Safety Coalition for the Empowering Communities for Public Safety Ordinance
-Wood Fund Chicago Power of Community Award
Borderless Studios for Creative Grounds at Anthony Overton Incubator
-The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Creative Placemaking Award
Dalia Aragon
-CIBC Emerging Leadership Award
Oh, what a night: BUILD Chicago gala shines light on local youth and supporters.
Kudos to the entire BUILD Chicago team for a wonderful gala full of great music, deserving award presentations and touching testimonials. Using the musical theme of “Westside Story,” the evening opened with songs that shared BUILD’s story of helping west side youth escape gangs, overcome trauma and achieve positive futures.
The event continued with award presentations celebrating BUILD’s 2022 honorees – including One Chicago Fund board member, J. Thomas Hurvis, who was received the BUILDer For Life award. Then, attendees provided standing ovations to two youth BUILDers and BUILD’s first distinguished alumni who shared moving testimonials about their respective journeys to creating better futures.
Next up for BUILD Chicago: the grand opening of its new multi-million dollar headquarters.
My CHI. My Future. launches new mobile app that keeps youth connected
For teens looking to access resources such as employment, seasonal or community-based programs and events, there’s an app for that! The first-of-its-kind My CHI. My Future. mobile app provides a custom experience for teens and youth-serving organizations to connect with safe, enriching out-of-school opportunities based on the user’s age, interests and location.
Available on all smartphone app stores, the app is the result of a public-private collaboration with Chicago’s civic departments, philanthropic, corporate and community organizations, as well as consultation and critical feedback from teens.
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.
