The Prince Charitable Trusts aims to enrich the lives of Chicago's residents by ensuring they have a thriving cultural life that reflects the diversity and richness of the community. The Trusts are committed to supporting the arts, sports-based youth development, and environmental justice, recognizing these areas as vital for connecting people, fostering health and well-being, and addressing social and environmental injustices. By prioritizing organizations that empower and are led by communities of color, the Trusts strive to combat persistent racism and promote healthy, vibrant communities for all.
The grant program supports three primary areas: Arts, Sports-based Youth Development, and Environmental Justice.
The Prince Arts Program focuses on enhancing Chicago's cultural life by supporting arts organizations with general operating support and project grants, aiming to represent the city's diversity through the arts and connect people with basic human truths.
The Sports-based Youth Development program is inspired by the transformative power of sports, providing grants to organizations that integrate best practices from athletics, mentoring, and academic enrichment. This program targets middle-school-age youths, emphasizing the development of skills for coping with stress, engaging in positive relationships, and planning, especially for those facing challenges like poverty and exposure to violence.
The Environmental Justice initiative supports the right to healthy communities in Chicago, particularly for ALAANA residents affected by historical and ongoing environmental racism. The program focuses on funding organizations led by people of color and those that prioritize the needs of Black and Latine communities, offering consistent, multi-year general operating support to those tackling environmental justice through community-led efforts.