Young Leaders Fund Awards $105,000 in its 2026 Grantmaking Cycle

Young Leaders Fund (YLF), an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, has been paving the way for start-up nonprofits and the next generation of philanthropists since its founding in 1994. YLF has distributed over $2 million to organizations in the Chicago region supporting Arts and Culture, Youth Development and Education, and Economic Development and Innovation.

This year, YLF made 19 grants totaling $105,000 to the following organizations:

Arts and Culture

• Akojopo Music Foundation
• Chicago Artist Guide NFP
• Dance Avondale Chicago
• Esteem Awards LGBTQ & People of Color Epiphany Arts Foundation
• Liberated Arts Movement
• Lucky Jefferson

Economic Development and Innovation

• Chicago Grows Food
• Fempreneur Poder Hub
• Living Outside (Youth Leadership Incubator)
• Phoenix Clinic
• Project Love Chicago
• Restored Hope

Youth Development and Education

• Avery’s Helpful Hair Kits                            
• Developing Our Youth                                 
• Dream Academy Foundation                
• Educate. Radiate.                          
• Season to Soar              
• The Chrysalis Program              
• Yoga Gardens NFP      

The Trust is a community foundation that is dedicated to ensuring opportunity and prosperity are within reach for everyone in our region. As a charitable community, we know that many of our communities have been historically under-resourced, including by philanthropy.