CHICAGO, IL ( July 31, 2018 ) — Chicago Foundation for Women ( CFW ) today announced 75 grants totaling $914,500 to support access to health, freedom from violence and economic security for women and girls in the Chicago region. Investments include 17 grants totaling $121,000 made by the Giving Councils and Circles of CFW, as well as the second year of the Englewood Women's Initiative.
"At a time of escalating threats to the safety of survivors of domestic violence and women's access to health care, CFW remains committed to investing in safe, healthy and thriving communities for women and girls," CFW President/CEO K. Sujata said. "We are proud to continue to build and deepen our community-based investments through the second year of the Englewood Women's Initiative, supporting economic security for women living in Greater Englewood."
CFW's spring grantmaking cycle focuses on freedom from violence and access to health care and information through direct service, as well as advocacy. Organizations receiving grants include:
- BUILD, Inc., a nationally recognized leader in violence prevention and youth development working in Austin, East Garfield Park, Humboldt Park, Hermosa and Fuller Park. The Girls 2 Women program gives girls and young women support to address trauma, prevent violence and develop self-esteem.
- Chicago Community Bond Fund, a revolving fund that posts bond for people charged with crimes in Cook County, and advocates for end of money bond and other forms of pretrial punishment.
- Midwest Access Project, which works to improve access to reproductive health care by serving as a Midwestern hub to train providers in comprehensive sexual and reproductive health including contraception, pregnancy options counseling, miscarriage and abortion.
The Foundation made a second round of investments totaling $168,000 in the Englewood Women's Initiative to support economic security for women and their families in the Greater Englewood area. The Englewood Women's Initiative brings together eight partner agencies to provide at least fifty women with skills, resources and comprehensive support to put them on a path to good-paying jobs ( earning at least $40,000/year ) and long-term economic stability.
The Giving Councils and Circles of CFW bring together women to make an impact in their communities through collective giving. Organizations receiving Giving Council and Circle grants include:
- The Harbour, a community-based organization serving young women experiencing homelessness in the north and northwest Chicago suburbs;
- Transformative Justice Law Project of Illinois, providing holistic legal services for transgender and gender nonconforming people in Illinois; and
- The Alive Center, a teen-led, teen-driven center focused on empowering the youth of today to become the impassioned, resilient leaders of tomorrow.
CFW awarded five additional grants through a matching grant from the Polk Bros. Foundation Fund for Emerging Organizations. The fund fosters early growth in promising nonprofits with annual operating budgets below $75,000.
During the Fall 2017 cycle, CFW made 44 grants supporting women's economic security and reproductive health totaling over $1 million.
For the complete list of grants awarded for the Spring 2018 cycle, please visit: bit.ly/2LWF0uh .
