Disabilities Fund

Promoting the development of programs, policy, and public action that expands the empowerment, equal opportunity, inclusion, and participation of diverse persons with disabilities in the Chicago region.

  • $1.34 Million

    Dollars Raised

  • $689,000+

    Dollars Granted

  • 17

    Active Donors

  • 55+

    Organizations Impacted

A group of people gathered behind a podium with a sign reading ADA 25 Chicago as one women speaks into a microphone|A group of people gathered behind a podium with a sign reading ADA 25 Chicago as one women speaks into a microphone.

About the Fund

The Disabilities Fund partners with and advises The Chicago Community Trust about disability inclusion and priorities for data-driven actionable solutions in the areas of employment, education, community inclusion and technology.

The Fund was established thanks to the generosity of Shawn Donnelley and the Naomi Williams Donnelley Fund.

Four people using wheelchairs sit together in a circle

Advisory Board Members

Adam Ballard
Access Living (Co-Chair)
Kevin Irvine
Rush University Medical Center
Kathy Ryg
Former State Rep. (Co-Chair)
Alexa James
NAMI Chicago
Jack Catlin
(Honorary Board Member)
Jerry Kendall
Lake County Center for Independent Living
Zully Alvarado
Causes for Change
Kathy Lavin
Gateways to Learning
Lore Baker
Association for Individual Development
Ben Lumicao
Allstate
Jackie Burgess Bishop
National Kidney Foundation of Illinois
Erin Smith
Kemper Total Rewards
Deborah Grisko
Almost Home Kids
Three people talk together.

Accelerate Disability Inclusion

Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the ADA, the Disabilities Fund launched Accelerate Disability Inclusion, a digital campaign to raise awareness for disability advocacy and issues.

Learn More
Two children play with building blocks at the Access Chicago Expo

Did You Know?

There are over 800,000 people with disabilities in the Chicago region. 41,000 are young people. Yet the education and employment systems are failing them, even though solutions exist. Learn more about the intersection of youth and disability, and get inspired to take action.

Questions?

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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.