United Way of Metro Chicago - Building Stronger Neighborhoods

This is United Way of Metro Chicago

20,000 donors
130+ impact grant partners
18 Neighborhood Networks
49 Chicago BridgeBuilders Fund grantees
700,000+ contacts through 211 Metro Chicago

More than 1 million people impacted.

All this work and more is featured in our latest video. United Way of Metro Chicago looks forward to the year ahead – and continuing our work together to build communities that can thrive. This is United Way.

How we help

Service Areas

Neighborhood Networks

Basic Needs

Chicago BridgeBuilders Fund

Partnerships

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Neighborhood Networks

United Way has been working for several years on what we believe is the solution to helping neighborhoods transform from the inside out—our Neighborhood Network Initiative. We have known for a while that zip code determines destiny. The key to changing this is to disrupt the effects of racism by creating more equitable opportunities for Black and Brown communities that in turn create better outcomes regardless of neighborhood, race, gender, or any other demographic. Learn More

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Basic Needs

Our basic needs strategy leverages real-time data from 211 Metro Chicago, a 24/7 health and social services helpline, to inform impact grants that provide annual, stable funding to more than 130 direct service organizations and rapid Response Grants to meet emerging needs when demand surges. Learn More

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Chicago BridgeBuilders Fund

The Chicago BridgeBuilders Fund supports small, local organizations on the South and West Sides of Chicago and in the south suburbs, providing unrestricted funding, networking and relationship building, and tailored capacity building to meet the organizations' needs and advance their long-term goals. Learn More

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Partnerships

At our core, United Way is a connector and convener. We believe that lasting change occurs when we partner together and work toward a common goal. That’s why we’ve teamed up with state, regional and local partners to turn ideas into action. Through these strategic partnerships, we’re able to make tangible progress toward building a stronger Chicago region for all our neighbors. Learn More

Our Network

Donors

Make a lasting impact in the Chicago region.

$41+ million

Generously given in fiscal year 2026

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Corporate Partners

Galvanize employees through community investment.

500

Corporate partners support our work to build a stronger Chicago region

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Neighborhood Networks

Work alongside community coalitions

Neighborhood Networks help identify community priorities to transform neighborhoods

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Agency Partners

Meet our neighbors’ basic needs.

130+

Agency partners provide the services and support needed across the region

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Volunteers

Serve our neighbors and community partners.

5,000+

Volunteers gave of their time to support those in need in fiscal year 2026.

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Featured Story

Aligned for Impact: United Way of Metro Chicago and the Steans Family Foundation Work Together to Transform Communities

07.08.26

The powerful partnership is meeting today's challenges and building a stronger future for neighborhoods and residents across Chicago through support of United Way's Response Fund, 211 Metro Chicago, and the launch of the North Lawndale Neighborhood Network.

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