A Young Leader’s Vision for Collective Impact

In celebration of Black Philanthropy Month, this inspiring Q&A features Jacque Stefanic, a nonprofit founder, donor and community leader, as he shares his philanthropic journey.

While attending Loyola University Chicago as a junior, Jacque Stefanic co-founded Serving People with a Mission, a nonprofit dedicated to creating leaders who holistically give back to their communities through service, community engagement, and philanthropy. The name reflects their purpose: to embody and promote servant leadership through meaningful action.

Jacque’s desire to deepen his understanding of the philanthropic space led him to join The Chicago Community Trust’s Young Leaders Fund (YLF), where he learned the mechanics of grantmaking and stepped into leadership roles. Through YLF, he mentors other young individuals interested in exploring their philanthropic journeys, and advocates for greater Black representation in philanthropic decision-making. YLF is an affinity fund at The Chicago Community Trust that provides young professionals with a way to make a difference, enabling them to manage the grantmaking process.

Recently, we sat down with Jacque to talk about his philanthropic journey and the importance of Black leadership in shaping the future of philanthropy.

Can you walk us through your philanthropic journey? What first sparked your desire to give, and how did that path lead you to connect with the Trust?

Jacque Stefanic: My earliest philanthropic contribution was made through YLF. What initially sparked my desire to give was witnessing the tangible impact generosity can have within a community, having personally benefited from the support of others. I felt compelled to become a part of that cycle of giving back. I recognized the importance of contributing, regardless of the amount. What resonated with me most was seeing other young individuals stepping up to give. That sense of collective action and shared purpose deeply moved me and reinforced my belief in the power of community-driven philanthropy.

Are there any specific moments or experiences in your life that have shaped your commitment to giving back and how do they continue to guide your approach today?

JS: One of the most defining moments occurred after I graduated from Loyola University Chicago, when I began to explore the meaning of philanthropy more deeply. I realized that I had been impacted by it nearly my entire life, having attended after-school programs and private schools like those in the Noble Network, as well as Arrupe College. Each of these opportunities were made possible by the generosity of others. This realization made me reflect on how much giving has shaped my own journey, and that’s what really solidified my commitment to giving back. A more recent moment was during our last grant cycle with the YLF. We raised and granted out $100,000 to small nonprofits across Chicago. Being part of that process, helping raise funds and then seeing them go directly to organizations doing meaningful work, was incredibly fulfilling.

As someone who leads a mission-driven organization, how did stepping into the role of a donor shift your perspective on giving and impact?

JS: When you are leading a nonprofit, you see firsthand how essential donations are to keeping programs running and making an impact. But stepping into the role of a donor helped me understand the other side, like why people give, how they give, and what they hope to see from their contributions. What has been eye-opening is seeing the full journey of a donation. From the donor’s intent, through the grantmaking process, to the moment a nonprofit receives the funds and uses them to serve students, support the unhoused, or uplift seniors. This perspective has made me a more conscious and intentional giver, and a more empathetic nonprofit leader.

How does your identity as a Black donor shape the way you approach philanthropy? Why is it important to you that Black voices and leadership are visible in the philanthropic space—not just as recipients, but as funders and decision makers?

JS: Chicago is one of the most diverse cities in the country, with a rich mix of communities and cultures, and the Black population is a core part of that. So, when we talk about philanthropy in this city, Black voices need to be reflected not just in who receives support, but in who’s making the decisions about where that support goes. To truly reflect the needs of our communities, Black leaders must be present in greater numbers at the tables where funding strategies are shaped. That representation is essential to ensuring that philanthropic dollars are distributed equitably and effectively.

What piece of advice do you have for people at the beginning of their giving journey, who may be intimidated by the idea of getting started or intimidated by all of the need that’s out there? 

JS: Start now. Start with a cause that speaks to you in your current moment of life, whether it’s youth development, food insecurity, healthcare, or immigration. There will always be more causes and more needs, but taking that first step builds momentum for your own philanthropic journey. You can support one cause today and another cause tomorrow. What matters most is that you start.