Unity Fund

Unity Fund is a collaborative effort that gathers contributions from generous donors to support nonprofit organizations addressing the Chicago region’s most urgent needs.

What is Unity Fund?

The Chicago Community Trust’s Unity Fund is a collaborative effort that gathers contributions from generous donors to support nonprofit organizations addressing the region’s most urgent needs—including providing emergency food, clothing, housing, healthcare, legal services, and more to individuals and families.  Since its founding in 2008 at the height of the Great Recession, the fund has made more than $20 million in grants to hundreds of nonprofits that serve Chicagoans.

Together, we can achieve more.
Give to Unity Fund.

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A Legacy of Addressing Critical Needs

Throughout our history, The Chicago Community Trust has been committed to addressing the most critical needs facing Chicagoans. During the Great Depression, the Trust raised millions in philanthropic funds for social welfare organizations in Chicago. Our Basic Human Needs fund was established in 1984 as an endowment fund to address hunger and homelessness.  

The 2008 recession was the most devastating economic downturn in the United States since the Great Depression. In Chicago, the unemployment rate reached higher than 10 percent in some communities. Nearly one in 10 homes in Cook County were in foreclosure and more than 440,000 families were using food stamps.

In response, the Trust created Unity Fund to address the overwhelming demand for food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, and foreclosure prevention services. The generosity of our donors means that Unity Fund continues to serve an ever-changing landscape of needs.

Since the launch of the Trust’s Unity Fund, the initiative has seen…

  • $21 Million

    In Grants

    Since 2008.

  • Gifts

    To Unity Fund

    Range from $5-$500,000.

  • 300

    Nonprofit Organizations

    In the Chicago region have received support.

The Impact of Unity Fund

Unity Fund is a testament to the community spirit of the Chicago region and the power of collective giving. Donors’ generosity is strategically directed to maximize impact across metropolitan Chicago. In fiscal year 2024, Unity Fund granted over $2 million to 22 organizations.

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The Current Moment:
Feeding Chicago’s Families

One in five Chicago households is experiencing food insecurity. As the need for food assistance and other essential services grows, coming cuts to federal programs will intensify the pressure on our social safety net. Our region’s food pantries, urban farms and food programs are making rapid adjustments in preparation. While philanthropy alone cannot fill the gaps, support for Unity Fund will help organizations that are nourishing and caring for our neighbors.

Whether it is a gift of $25 or $25,000, the impact of collective giving means that donations can have an outsize impact for our neighbors and support Chicagoans along a journey toward stability and well-being.  

Stories from Unity Fund

“Whether it’s buying socks and underwear one day, buying an emergency meal, buying a crib, getting somebody a hotel room—those are the types of things we can’t cover with government funding, but Unity Fund dollars allow us the flexibility to really impact the most amount of people.”

– Matt DeMateo, Executive Director, New Life Centers of Chicagoland

“Support from Unity Fund is truly a lifeline for our young people, allowing us to respond to their immediate needs flexibly and quickly, and then to remain by their side for as long as they would like us to.”

– Casey Holtschneider, Executive Director, LYTE Collective

“Behind every youth who will reach graduation this year, every child in a safe home thanks to child welfare, and every adult starting a new career, is a Unity Fund donor.”

– Juan Carlos Linares, President & CEO, Association House

Give Now

Your gift will enable Unity Fund to pool resources and support frontline organizations that are meeting the most critical needs. 

Donate Today

Contact Us

For more information on Unity Fund or to give from your donor advised fund or IRA qualified Charitable Distribution, please contact Adele Nandan.

Email Adele