Lend a Hand Fund

The Lend a Hand Fund provides support to BIPOC-led and BIPOC-serving community organizations working to help Chicago residents hardest hit by COVID and the impacts of systemic racism. The Fund was established in the Summer of 2020, in response to the uprising in the wake of the George Floyd murder and the impact it had on Chicago communities already reeling from the effects of COVID. The Fund began as a rapid-response initiative, led by a Foundation-wide task force that worked together to direct the funds to the community. Initial funding supported a range of needs, including COVID testing and education, rental assistance and food assistance. As the nature of the crisis evolved, so did the Fund, which has pivoted to provide support for ongoing recovery efforts, such as housing, mental health and food insecurity. The focus area for each grant cycle is determined by the needs expressed by the community and we are grateful to our community partners who work collaboratively with us to direct funding.

Do you know of a community organization that we should consider for funding? If so, please nominate the organization using the link below.