United Way of Metro Chicago - Building Stronger Neighborhoods

Building Back a Stronger, More Equitable Chicago Region

This year has challenged us in ways we could not have imagined, and many of our neighbors, especially those in predominantly Black and Brown communities, still need our support. Despite the obstacles, we are energized to do things differently as we transition from immediate COVID response to recovery. Join us in building back a stronger, more equitable Chicago region.

How we help

Service Areas

Regional Recovery

Neighborhood Networks

Programs & Partnerships

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Regional Recovery

COVID-19 was tough on everyone, but particularly highlighted the significant inequities across our city and our nation. Alongside the Neighborhood Network strategy, we continue to support the basic needs of every household, especially those hit the hardest by the effects of the global pandemic. We believe these strategies are a key part to the Chicago region’s long-term recovery and to building back better, stronger, and more equitably. Learn More

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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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Programs & Partnerships

From partnerships with the City of Chicago and the Chicago Federation of Labor, to volunteer opportunities and leadership training for youth and adults, our neighborhood investment strategy is made stronger through collaboration. These key initiatives help us go deeper within the communities we serve and are part of a larger movement to bring resources, hope, and solutions to our neighbors across the Chicago region. Learn More

Our Network

Donors

Make a lasting impact in the Chicago region.

$81 million

Generously given in fiscal year 2020

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Corporate Partners

Galvanize employees through community investment.

700+

Corporate partners support our work to build back better

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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.

172

Agency partners provide the services and support needed across the region

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Volunteers

Serve our neighbors and community partners.

3,000+

Volunteers gave of their time to support those in need in fiscal year 2020.

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Featured Story

Creating a Culture of Corporate Philanthropy

01.16.19

In his lifetime, Charles Matthews’ career has taken him and his family around the United States and beyond. Though his title and coordinates have changed, his commitment to serving as a philanthropic leader in the workplace hasn’t.Serving as president and chief executive officer of Peoples Energy, Charles oversees the daily operations, strategy, growth and administrative activities of Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas. Together, the two utilities distribute natural gas to more than 1 million residents in Chicago and the northern suburbs.

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