News

Medline Industries, LP, a medical supplies manufacturer and distributor based in Northfield, Illinois, donated 60,000 bottles of hand sanitizer to United Way of Metro Chicago’s south-southwest suburban partners this past month.

This month, there are a variety of ways that community members can give back to Chicago-area philanthropic efforts and organizations. From monetary donations and volunteer opportunities to item-based donations—everyone has the opportunity to make a difference this holiday season and beyond. Learn more ways to support United Way of Metro Chicago.

Each year at this time, WBBM looks at the state of charitable giving and the work of non-profit groups in the area. United Way Chicago President and CEO Sean Garrett tells Craig Dellimore that as we work to emerge from the pandemic, there are hopeful signs and big challenges. Eric Smith, Vice Chairman of BMO Harris Bank, and Jamila Trimuel, Founder and CEO of Ladies of Virtue, also joined.

Thousands of holiday dinners and gifts for children are being distributed through mid-December by the nonprofit program "Uniting for the Holidays," which expects to reach about 4,000 families this season. The program is offered by United Way of Metro Chicago, which works with local community partners to set up festive drive-through events where families are greeted by Santa and cheerful volunteers.

Make It Better Media's list of 2021’s Top Chicago-area philanthropists aims to highlight those who put their philanthropy to work in those arenas. Sean Garrett, United Way of Metro Chicago's President and Chief Executive Officer, is included in this list.

United Way of Metro Chicago is pleased to announce the addition of 17 new members to its board of directors. Over the past year, United Way has doubled down on its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through initiatives like the 21-Week Equity Challenge, Chicago Connected and the growth of its internal Racial Equity Committee. Expanding the board has been a key component of the DEI efforts.

This year United Way of Metro Chicago launched the United Neighborhood Equity Fund, selecting 10 Black and Brown-led nonprofits on Chicago’s South and West Sides to receive funding and support. WTTW's Marissa Nelson interviews Sean Garret - United Way, Messiah Equiano - CHI-RISE, and Edwin Martinez - Centro Sanar.

United Way of Metro Chicago today announced the grantees of the United Neighborhoods Equity Fund (UNEF). These are 10 small, Black and brown-led nonprofits on the city’s south and west sides and south suburban region. Each of the grantees will be awarded $50,000 of unrestricted funds over a two-year cycle to be used according to the needs of each nonprofit.

Thanks to a generous grant from United Way of Metro Chicago, the Elgin Covid Response Fund (ECRF) has an additional $25,000 to grant out to those individuals, families, and communities impacted by COVID-19 in Elgin.

Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services partners with United Way for annual Child Support Awareness Month campaign.