News

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.

United Way of Metro Chicago today opened applications for their new United Neighborhoods Equity Fund (UNEF). UNEF aims to support small, Black and brown-led nonprofits predominantly located on the city's south and west sides and south suburban region, and connect them to new investment opportunities. Each of the 10 grantees will be awarded $50,000 of unrestricted funds over a two-year cycle to be used according to the needs of each nonprofit.

Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, 77 to be exact, each with its distinct look, feel, food and people. Despite the beauty of our neighborhoods, there is a deep history of segregation, systemic racism, and disinvestment that shapes and manifests Black and brown communities’ societal issues across the city. I’ve seen what happens when you strip a community of the resources needed to prosper. I’ve also seen the impact of empowering communities to chart their own path through place-based investment.

United Way of Metro Chicago stands in partnership with leading voices in the Latinx community, who are asking for systems change and a commitment to substantive and sustained investments in Brown and Black communities, along with expanding education and economic opportunities for all young men of color.

This April, United Way of Metro Chicago is putting a spin on the traditional bake sale -- its Young Leaders United (YLU) affinity group is hosting IGNITE, a virtual dessert party led by Boka Restaurant Group.

United Way of Metro Chicago, South-Southwest Suburban Region is holding an April Food Day donation drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 12. With the pandemic amplifying the challenges many people face in meeting their basic needs, such as food, shelter and health care, a simple thing such as providing a few meals can make a big difference.