Young Leaders Fund

Providing young professionals with an innovative way to make a difference.

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  • $1 Million+

    Dollars Granted

  • 250+

    Organizations Impacted

A large group of people smile and raise their arms in celebration|A woman stands behind a podium speaking into a microphone|Three adults stand talking in front of a wallk with colorful paintings; one holds a baby|A woman walks to the front of a conference room while the seated crowd applauds.

About the Fund

Young Leaders Fund (YLF) empowers its donors to manage the grant making process. With support from the Trust, they research innovative grassroots organizations, conduct site visits, interview staff and evaluate grant requests. As a result, members become more effective volunteers and more knowledgeable civic leaders.

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Our Grant Making

Young Leaders Fund focuses its grants on small, start-up nonprofits serving communities in Chicago in Arts & Culture, Child Development & Education, and Community & Economic Development.

Support the Fund
Guests at the YLF grant reception at Arciel|Guests at the YLF grant reception at Arciel|Dancers with hula hoops from the En las Tablas studio|Presenting a grant check to the Urban Junctures Foundation

Building New Leadership in Philanthropy

Over the past 25 years, YLF has awarded more than $1 million in grants to more than 250 nonprofits serving neighborhoods across the city. From band classes for students in East Garfield Park, to launching a women’s culinary workforce development program at the Cook County Correctional Center to upgrading computers for an after-school program in West Woodlawn, YLF has paved the way for small nonprofits and the next generation of philanthropists.

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    Provide young professionals with an innovative way to make a difference.

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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.