Partnering with McDonald’s to Serve Up Change for Chicago’s Youth

McDonald’s roots in Chicago date back to 1955. It’s why now, as one of the largest employers headquartered in the city, the company is committed to supporting Chicago’s neighborhood organizations.

Wanting to make an impact in its corporate hometown, McDonald’s teamed up with the Trust in 2022 to introduce its Chicago Community Impact Grants Program. The initiative invested in neighborhood organizations working to advance opportunities and break down economic barriers for Chicago youth in disinvested communities. Grants have supported youth workforce development, crisis prevention, mental health, and mentoring programs for youth ages 16-24. In 2023, McDonald’s deepened its support to 18 of the organizations, helping to ensure these partners have the resources to continue preparing youth for career pathways.

“As a Chicago-based company, McDonald’s is committed to empowering the communities we serve right here in our own backyard,” says Monica Tijerina, McDonald’s Senior Director, Social Impact. “Partnering with the Trust has made it incredibly seamless for us to live out our commitment and help make a meaningful impact on young lives in Chicago.”

The McDonald’s grant program is an example of how the Trust’s unique blend of community expertise and philanthropic know-how makes it a one-stop shop for donors and corporations who want to give back. The Trust’s giving and impact specialists partnered with McDonald’s at every step, from establishing the right funding vehicle (a donor advised fund) and identifying outstanding neighborhood organizations, to creatively engaging McDonald’s employees with the youth served and designing an effective approach for impact measurement. The result is a robust and thoughtful grant program that reflects McDonald’s commitment to being a strong partner for Chicago’s youth.

McDonald’s Impact:

• 54,087 Chicago youth reached through Chicago Community Impact Grants Program partners.
• 21,415 hours of coaching and mentoring provided.
• 6,834 youth connected to workforce training in fields such as green energy, banking, health care and culinary arts.
• 1,430 McDonald’s volunteers engaged with youth through
• 4,995 hours of service.
• Youth engaged in career and educational pathways, counseling, mentoring, and financial literacy education.