PSPC, in collaboration with Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, created Let’s Link Chi—a grant-making initiative to support community-based organizations in Chicago’s neighborhoods most impacted by violence.
As part of PSPC’s efforts to reduce violence in all of Chicago’s communities, the initiative provides more than $650,000 in grant funds to small nonprofits in an effort to expand accessible, year-round neighborhood-centric activities, youth programming and resources that keep residents safe.
Under the initiative, grants between $15,000 and $17,000 are awarded to local, small nonprofit organizations engaging in activities that build community cohesion and promote safety and peace, such as neighborhood art projects, communal meals, sports programming, and more. The funds are designed to fill in gaps for organizations who may not have access to city funds due to their smaller capacity.
The initiative will supplement PSPC’s Chicago Fund, which has supported neighborhood organizations throughout the summer like 40 Plus Ohio Players that have provided board games, card games, balls and sports equipment for residents to play virtually due to the coronavirus.
While PSPC provides grant funding for organizations throughout the summer, the Let’s Link Chi initiative will ensure these nonprofits have resources and supports all year-round.
Initial grant announcements are expected in late October 2020.