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.
Back to school, return to basics
Summer’s end marks new beginnings
Back-to-school parades and festivals traditionally mark the end of summer; and, this year, Chicago returned to many of its standard favorites. From the 92nd Annual Bud Biliken Parade (one of the nation’s largest) to smaller community events such as the Roseland Matters/Tim Hardaway basketball and technology skills boot camp, students were able to return to classrooms equipped with school supplies, masks, life skills and other necessary resources to help them succeed.
Birds of a feather, enhance communities together
Renovated Douglass 18 mini golf course opens
Golf enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy a birds-eye perspective at each hole of Douglass 18, a miniature golf course located behind the Douglass Park Cultural Center on the city’s west side. A multi-year, community-led project, Douglass 18 was designed by 40 teens who researched the more than 200 species of birds that migrate to the park, then featured fun facts at each tee. This collaborative effort includes artists, elected officials, community organizations, the Chicago Park District, architectural influencers and generous funders.
Turning up summer fun for teens
Summer Kickback Series comes to 15 neighborhoods
Teens across the city were treated to good music, delicious food and fun activities every Friday night during the summer courtesy of the Summer Kickback Series, a collaboration between local community organizations, the mayor’s office, Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library and Amazon. Parks and 15 neighborhoods – including Roseland, West Pullman, Austin, North Lawndale, Marquette Park, Back of the Yards, Auburn-Gresham, Englewood – were the backdrops for teens to enjoy VIP tent seating, smoothie bar, the sounds of DJ Mike P, neighborhood culinary favorites and much more.
Building up hope on the westside
BUILD Chicago expands its Austin headquarters
What begin in 2016 as a one-story, 10,000 square-foot hub for Austin kids in response to rising gun violence will soon expand to a three-story, 50,000 square-foot safe space for youth. In August, BUILD Chicago broke ground on its new headquarters that will enable its community resources and offerings – including education, arts, music production, physical fitness and mental wellness – to increase from accommodating 100 to 2,000 residents of all ages.
Lincoln Park Zoo welcomes new leadership
Kevin Bell announces his retirement
After more than 25 years leading the Lincoln Park Zoo, president and CEO Kevin Bell will retire at the end of the year. Under Bell’s leadership, the Zoo preserved its momentum and commitment to conservation and science; built a team of more than 40 scientists and established the Urban Wildlife Institute to help the public learn how to coexist with wildlife; and remained free admission. Bell’s successor, Dr. Megan Ross, has held leadership at the Zoo for more than 20 years and is committed to continuing the high standards of animal and plant care.
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 September 17, 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.
