10 Years of Community Leadership: Chicago Fund Announces 2026 Grantees

$1.3 million invested into organizations uplifting peace, social cohesion and community-driven solutions across Chicago’s South and West Sides

CHICAGO — The Partnership for Safe & Peaceful Communities (PSPC), a coalition of more than 50 funders committed to aligning their grant-making to support proven and promising approaches to reducing gun violence, proudly announces the 2026 grantees of the PSPC Chicago Fund for Safe & Peaceful Communities. This year marks the Fund’s 10-year anniversary of investing in grassroots leadership across Chicago’s South and West Sides.

Through an investment of nearly $1.3 million, the PSPC Chicago Fund will support hundreds of grassroots organizations leading community-driven efforts focused on safety, healing, youth engagement, arts and culture, wellness, mentorship, and neighborhood cohesion throughout the summer and fall months.

For ten years, the PSPC Chicago Fund has invested in resident-led solutions that strengthen communities most impacted by gun violence. Since launching in 2016, the Fund has distributed nearly $13 million to support over 1,900 grassroots projects citywide — helping activate block clubs, community events, youth programming, healing spaces, and neighborhood partnerships rooted in trust and connection.

“This anniversary year is a celebration of the residents, organizers, and grassroots leaders who continue to show what is possible when communities are trusted and resourced. For the past decade, the Chicago Fund has supported organizations that lead with love, creativity, and commitment to their neighborhoods every single day.”

— Jai Jones, Project Manager, The Chicago Fund

Among the funded programs in 2026 are:

• 1000/1100 Monticello Block Club (Humboldt Park), which will organize neighborhood cleanups and community-building block club events that strengthen neighborhood pride and resident connection.
• Austin African American Business Network (Austin), which will host the 11th Annual Austin 5K in September, bringing together residents, businesses, and families through wellness and community engagement.
• Black Onyx All Stars NFP (Englewood and Greater Grand Crossing), which will support youth through summer programming focused on mentorship, engagement, and positive community connection.
• Increase the Peace Chicago (Gage Park and New City), which will lead youth-centered arts and culture programming alongside a community 3-on-3 basketball tournament designed to promote peace and engagement among young people.
• Moms28 (West Garfield Park and Austin), where funding will support the Survivors Picnic, an annual celebration of healing, remembrance, and community for survivors and families of those lost to violence.

See the full list of 2026 PSPC Chicago Fund grant recipients. 

“The Chicago Fund was built on the belief that communities already hold the solutions to creating lasting safety. As we celebrate ten years of this work, we honor the residents and organizations who continue to create spaces of healing, hope, and opportunity across Chicago.”

— Esther Franco-Payne, Executive Director, Partnership for Safe & Peaceful Communities

The 2026 grantmaking process reflects the Fund’s continued commitment to participatory and community-informed philanthropy. Applications were reviewed by a diverse committee of funders, former grantees, nonprofit leaders, and community stakeholders using a structured review process designed to center equity, neighborhood representation, and community impact.

“This work demonstrates what is possible when philanthropy trusts and invests in community leadership. The organizations funded this year are creating spaces of belonging, opportunity, and hope in neighborhoods that deserve sustained investment.”

— Anna Lee, VP of Programs, Polk Bros. Foundation & PSPC Chicago Fund Co-Chair

In recognition of the Fund’s 10-year anniversary, PSPC is also partnering with the Black & Brown Collective for Community Solutions to Gun Violence to conduct a comprehensive impact evaluation examining the Fund’s decade of grantmaking, community engagement, and grassroots leadership development. Findings from the evaluation will help inform the Fund’s future strategy and long-term vision, with the final report and public findings expected to be released in fall 2026.

“Over the last decade, the Chicago Fund has not only invested in programs, but in people, relationships, and long-term community leadership. This evaluation is an important opportunity to capture the stories, lessons, and impact behind the work while helping shape a stronger future for community-led safety strategies across Chicago.”

— Tony Daniels, Chicago Fund 10 Year Anniversary Committee

“For organizations like ours, the Chicago Fund represents more than funding — it represents trust in our community and belief in our vision. These investments allow us to create safe, joyful spaces where families can gather, young people can thrive, and neighbors can heal together.”

— Dollie Sherman, Executive Director, Garden of Love

The PSPC Chicago Fund prioritizes 24 South and West Side community areas identified through violence prevention data and community-informed strategies, including Auburn Gresham, Austin, Burnside, Chatham, Chicago Lawn, Englewood, West Englewood, Fuller Park, Gage Park, East Garfield Park, West Garfield Park, Greater Grand Crossing, Humboldt Park, Lower West Side (Pilsen), New City (Back of the Yards), North Lawndale, South Lawndale (Little Village), Riverdale, Roseland, South Chicago, South Shore, Washington Park, West Pullman, and Woodlawn.

Together, the 2026 grantees reflect the power of grassroots leadership and the continued commitment of Chicago residents to create safe, peaceful, and thriving communities for future generations.

See the full list of 2026 PSPC Chicago Fund grant recipients. 

For more details about PSPC, the strategies it supports and the PSPC Chicago Fund, visit: www.safeandpeaceful.org.