African American Legacy

Advancing philanthropy and empowerment in the African American community since 2003.

Donate to this Fund

  • $3.8 Million

    Dollars Donated

  • 250

    Grant Recipients

  • 600+

    Active Donors

  • 500+

    Organizations Impacted

AAL RFP 2023 is Now Open!

Deadline for applications is Monday, June 12th at 11:59pm CDT. An Information Session will be held on Wednesday, May 10th at 2pm. Click here to register for the info session.

Download the Full RFP

In addition, a series of 3 Peer Clinics will be held by AAL’s grants consultant, Consuella Brown. Register at the links below.

Friday, May 19th @ 10am: Budget
Tuesday, May 23rd @ 2pm: Outcomes
Tuesday, May 30th @ 12pm: Program Planning

Grant Making in Chicago

Since its founding in 2003 as an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, African American Legacy (AAL) has granted nearly $4 million to numerous nonprofit organizations with innovative ideas for impact. AAL provides support to nonprofit organizations that work at the grassroots level to educate and engage communities, and to provide neighborhood-based services and solutions addressing community problems.

2022 Grant Recipients

Advisory Board Members

Troy Boyd Jr., ChairNicole Robinson
Kimberly A. Casey, Vice ChairSequane Lawrence
Kimbra BellKafi Moragne-Patterson
Inger Burnett-ZieglerNicole Robinson
Janice EvansDarryl Rodgers
Tyrone FormanMironda Ross
Denitra GriffinChristal Stinson
Professionals with a wide range of experience across numerous industries comprise the Advisory Board. Board members actively participate in community engagement, donor cultivation, and grant making activities.

Life Directors

Brenda AsareGraham Grady
Claudette BakerMarguerite Griffin
Andreason BrownSuzanne Griffith
Julian ColemanLoann Honesty King
Carol CrenshawRobert McGhee
Amina DickersonMary Patillo
Rebecca Ford-TerryShawnelle Richie 
Denise GardnerBaronica Roberson
Corliss GarnerMelody Spann-Cooper
Life Directors are individuals who have rendered exemplary service in advancing the goals of African American Legacy, with special consideration given to former Advisory Board members.

Questions?

  • Give to AAL

    African American Legacy activates an engaged network of community leaders who share the common goal of improving the quality of life of African Americans in Chicago through the power of collective giving, community engagement, and grant making.

    Make A Gift

  • Stay Connected

    To stay up-to-date with the work of African American Legacy, please complete an interest form to receive future communications from Affinity Funds.

    Sign Up for Updates

Explore Affinity Funds

Affinity funds are groups of donors united by a shared heritage, identity, or common interest. They offer an efficient way to support a specific group of people and the nonprofits that aid them by leveraging contributions through collective giving.