WOODLAWN ADVISORY COUNCIL ANNOUNCES $3 MILLION IN GRANTS TO 42 LOCAL NON-PROFITS SUPPORTING EQUITY AND GROWTH IN CHICAGO’S WOODLAWN COMMUNITY AND SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOODS


WOODLAWN ADVISORY COUNCIL ANNOUNCES $3 MILLION IN GRANTS  TO 42 LOCAL NON-PROFITS SUPPORTING EQUITY AND GROWTH IN CHICAGO’S WOODLAWN COMMUNITY AND SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOODS

 

MINORITY-SERVING ORGANIZATIONS AWARDED GRANTS TO ADVANCE MEDIA, LITERACY, YOUTH AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, AND FOOD EQUITY IN THE STAPLE SOUTH SIDE NEIGHBORHOOD

 

(Chicago, IL) The Woodlawn Advisory Council is proud to announce the successful completion of the application and review process for the Woodlawn Advisory Council Community Investment Grant. After an extensive and structured grant process, 42 not-for-profit organizations serving Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood and surrounding communities have been selected to receive funding, totaling nearly $3 million in awarded grants. More than 50 community-based organizations that met eligibility requirements, including proof of 501(c)(3) status, operational longevity, public transparency, and minority-led governance—were invited to apply.

 Each applicant participated in a thorough grant evaluation process managed by the Woodlawn Advisory Council in partnership with the Woodlawn Community Development Trust.


The grants will fund strategic initiatives across critical focus areas, including Media, Literacy, Workforce Development, Youth Development, Affordable Housing, and Food Equity, with the overarching goal of fostering long-term growth, sustainability, and empowerment within the Woodlawn community and neighboring South Side areas including Bronzeville, Hyde Park, Englewood, South Shore, and Greater Grand Crossing.


“The organizations selected represent the resilience, creativity, and community-centered focus that are essential to Woodlawn’s continued revival,” said Gina B. Krol, trustee of the Woodlawn Community Development Trust. “This funding helps fuel the dreams and work of local leaders who are shaping a more equitable and vibrant future for residents.”


This milestone follows the August 2024 launch of the grant program, which encouraged eligible minority-led and minority-serving public charities to apply and presented a bold vision for investing in community-driven solutions.


“The commitment of these 42 grantees reflects the incredible depth of service, innovation, and inclusion present in our neighborhoods. From youth enrichment programs to workforce training and community journalism, each initiative addresses long-standing needs and uplifts community voices,” said David Morris, a senior member of the Woodlawn Advisory Council.


The Woodlawn Advisory Council extends its deepest thanks to all applicants and reaffirms its commitment to continued engagement, transparency, and support for organizations advancing equity and opportunity in Woodlawn and beyond.

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