Each day, over 300,000 women in our community face challenges such as struggling to provide for themselves and their children, securing their health and safety, and overcoming poverty and lack of opportunity. Our mission is centered around addressing these critical issues, focusing on the empowerment and support of these women to help lift them from their circumstances.
The grant program aims to support workforce development as a crucial part of economic security initiatives, particularly focusing on women's full participation in training that leads to living wage jobs with benefits. It seeks to fund training programs offering job skills, education, and placement in high-growth sectors likely to rebound post-COVID-19. Grantees are expected to provide comprehensive support services, including financial coaching, childcare, housing, healthcare, and emergency support, in collaboration with training organizations. The program prioritizes women, girls, transgender, and non-binary individuals of color, frontline workers, single-parent households, immigrants, and domestic workers, with a special focus on Chicago's South and West Side communities. It also prioritizes community-based and led organizations for their deep community ties and focus on racial and gender equity. Adaptability and responsiveness to community needs in crises, and strategies for COVID-19 recovery and rebuilding are critical. Grants typically range between $20K and $75K.