Chicago, we stand with you.
If you are able, please support the causes and charities that are working so hard to make a change in the community.
Read on below for a guide to different causes, charities and organizations that are enacting change in Chicago.
As the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ center on the South Side of Chicago, Brave Space Alliance provides assistance through educational and health resources for LGBTQ individuals. Brave Space Alliance primarily serves the South and West sides of Chicago. Donate here.
My Block, My Hood, My City generally serves Chicago's underprivileged youth, however, in recent times the organization has stepped up to create the Small Business Relief Fund. The fund will support Chicago community businesses affected by out-of-state looters. At its core, My Block, My Hood, My City's mission is to "take care of people—no matter what." Volunteer and donate now!
LVEJO serves one of Chicago's most prominent Latinx communities. The organization's mission is to work with low-income, immigrant and working-class families to build a sustainable and, as the name would imply, environmentally just community within Little Village. Visit its website to donate, learn how to get involve or keep up with community news.
Since 1973, the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression has advocated for and defended the rights of oppressed people in Chicago, Illinois and around the world. You can donate to help the cause here.
The #LetUsBreathe Collective is a group of artists and activists whose vision is a world without police or prisons. Through their art and work, they strive to make that vision a reality. Donate here to support the collective along with their safe, incubation space #BreathingRoom.
There's a reason people say the youth are our future, and GoodKids MadCity is a great example of why. This youth-led group brings together young community leaders to give them the resources they need to create sustainable, livable community conditions as well as provide tools to address both mental and physical trauma. Donate to the cause right here.
Healthy Hood Chicago strives to close the 20-year life expectancy gap between underserved and higher-income communities in Chicago. They offer fitness and dance classes to keep Chicago moving. Residents can also access educational resources to learn about the leading diseases in their community. Make a donation here.
Aiming to promote justice and empower the community, Westside Justice Center offers services intended to end the consequences that face individuals who are incarcerated. Westside Justice Center helps with legal literacy and advocacy through workshops and various programs.
The African American Legacy (AAL) most basic goal is improving the lives of Black residents in the Chicago metropolitan area. Backed by the Chicago Community Trust, civic and community leaders engage these residents in philanthropy and support grassroots organizations. Click here to make a donation.
Founded in 2018, Chicago Birthworks Collective helps Black families in Chicago with their birth and postpartum experiences. Chicago Birthworks Collective offers programs geared towards educating, caring for and supporting families and new parents. Support them here.
Breakthrough is a non-profit organization that works with those affected by poverty to achieve success and opportunities. Breakthrough's focus areas include education and youth development, health and wellness, workforce development, violence prevention and more. Get involved here.
The Greater Chicago Food Depository provides food to Chicago communities facing hunger and poverty. It also serves as a hub for a network of over 700 food pantries, shelters and other programs. Support them here.
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is dedicated to advocating for public policies geared towards preventing and ending homelessness. Its members work on different initiatives, campaigns and programs that help Chicago and areas across Illinois. Support CCH here.
Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland is a Black LGBTQ+-led, multiracial social justice organization that advances justice for Black LGBTQ+ people across Chicagoland. They offer a range of programs to enrich the community through a monthly Black LGBT(Q)+ Caucus, self-care, healing, and spirituality programs, and even workforce development. See how you can help here.
Chicago Survivors aims to help the community by assisting those impacted by homicide. By focusing on community healing, violence prevention and advocacy, they seek to uplift and honor Black history and resilience. To learn more about their mission, visit here.
Photo via Unsplash/Max Bender
Looking for more ways to show your support?
Did we miss an organization or charity that belongs on this list? Please let us know by reaching out to [email protected].
