United Way of Metropolitan Chicago Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $52,996,684 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Varies by programme (14 days for Response Fund; longer for Impact Grants)
• Grant Range: $10,000 - $50,000 (varies by programme)
• Geographic Focus: Chicago metropolitan area (city and suburbs), with special emphasis on South and West Sides and south suburbs

Contact Details

Address: 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 633, Chicago, IL 60654

Phone: (312) 876-0199 or (312) 906-2350

Email:

• General donor inquiries: donorhelp@liveunitedchicago.org
• Grant/Community Impact inquiries: communityimpact@liveunitedchicago.org
• Agency services: agencyhelp@liveunitedchicago.org

Website: www.liveunitedchicago.org

Overview

Founded in 1934, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago Inc (EIN 30-0200478) is one of the largest United Way organisations in the United States. Under the leadership of President & CEO Sean Garrett, United Way operates through a dual-approach strategy: meeting immediate basic needs whilst transforming neighbourhoods from the inside out through community-led initiatives. The organisation works with 30,000+ donors, 140+ impact grant partners, and 17 Neighbourhood Networks across the Chicago region. In 2020, United Way received significant recognition when philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donated $25 million, serving as a strong endorsement of the organisation's place-based approach to neighbourhood transformation. United Way's strategic focus centres on stabilising low-income families in crisis and building stronger, more equitable communities through collaborative, wraparound services.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

Impact Grants Programme (Currently closed to new applicants)

• Grant amounts vary; multi-year funding commitments
• Application method: Invitation-only for current partners
• Application details shared directly with eligible partners

Chicago BridgeBuilders Fund (formerly United Neighbourhoods Equity Fund)

• Amount: Up to $50,000 unrestricted funding over two years
• Additional benefits: Intensive capacity building with DePaul University faculty, networking with peers and funders
• Eligibility: Organisations with budgets under $1,000,000, serving South and West Sides of Chicago or south suburbs
• Application cycle: Typically opens in September with October deadline; notifications in November; cohort kickoff in January
• Since 2021, has invested over $1.8 million in 39 small, local organisations

Response Fund (Emergency/Rapid Response)

• Amount: $10,000 - $20,000
• Method: Invitation-only for urgent community needs
• Timeline: 20-minute application; awards disbursed within 14 days of fund opening

Neighbourhood Networks Initiative

• Place-based, community-led funding supporting 17 neighbourhoods
• Major funding includes $25 million from MacKenzie Scott (2020), $15 million from Cook County's Transforming Places Programme, and $7.5 million from BMO (2024)
• Focuses on affordable housing, cradle-to-career education, family wraparound services, economic development, and business ownership

Priority Areas

United Way funds organisations providing:

• Food access and food security programmes
• Housing stability (rental, mortgage, and utility assistance)
• Healthcare access
• Safety from abuse
• Legal assistance
• Early learning and education
• Workforce development
• Tax preparation services
• Economic development and social services (particularly for small community-based organisations)

Strategic Approach: Four grant strategies guide funding decisions:

1. Place-Based Wraparound Services
2. Place-Based Issue-Focused Services
3. Regionwide Wraparound Services
4. Regionwide Issue-Focused Services

Geographic Priority: Organisations operating in historically disinvested communities, particularly Chicago's South and West Sides and south suburban region, aligned with United Way's 17 Neighbourhood Networks (Auburn Gresham, Austin, Blue Island/Robbins, Brighton Park, Bronzeville, Cicero, Elgin, Englewood, Evanston, Far South, Ford Heights/Chicago Heights, Garfield Park, Harvey, Little Village, Park Forest/Richton Park, South Chicago, and West Chicago).

What They Don't Fund

Specific funding exclusions are not published on United Way's website. However, based on their stated priorities:

• Organisations with budgets over $1,000,000 are ineligible for the Chicago BridgeBuilders Fund
• New applicants cannot currently apply for Impact Grants (closed cycle)
• Organisations outside the Chicago metropolitan region
• For detailed restrictions, contact communityimpact@liveunitedchicago.org

Governance and Leadership

President & CEO: Sean Garrett (appointed five years ago, led Chicago Connected initiative providing four years of free internet to 100,000 Chicago families)

Board Chair: Linda T. Coberly

Executive Committee:

• Chair: David C. Blowers
• Members: Linda T. Coberly, Deborah L. DeHaas, Cheryl A. Francis, Lester H. McKeever Jr.

Board Committees:

• Board Development and Nominating Committee (Chair: Linda T. Coberly)
• Resource Development Committee (Chair: Lisa N. Johnson)

Board Emeritus Members: David R. Casper, Deborah L. DeHaas, Cheryl A. Francis, Lester H. McKeever Jr., E. Scott Santi, Frederick H. Waddell

United Way maintains strong ties to Chicago's corporate community through corporate fundraising efforts and the Loaned Executive Programme.

Leadership Philosophy: In CEO Sean Garrett's statement on equity and justice, he emphasised: "We can't change the history of our city, and how it has shaped the inequities, but we can take responsibility for the future." He further stated, "We also know that our words will not be enough. It's what we do that matters," signalling United Way's commitment to action over rhetoric and tangible community impact.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Impact Grants Programme: United Way is proceeding with a closed and shortened application process for the next funding cycle, open only to current Impact Grant partners. This cycle is closed to new applicants. Application details and timeline expectations will be shared directly with eligible partners.

Organisations interested in future opportunities should sign up for the Community Impact Mailing List at liveunitedchicago.org.

Chicago BridgeBuilders Fund:

• Application cycle: Typically opens in September with October deadline
• Method: Online application (details available on United Way's website)
• Eligibility requirements:
  • Annual budget under $1,000,000
  • 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsorship
  • Community-based organisation focusing on economic development and social services
  • Operating in Chicago's South/West Sides or south suburban region
• Contact for questions: CommunityImpact@liveunitedchicago.org

Response Fund: Invitation-only for urgent community needs. Invited organisations complete a simple 20-minute application.

Decision Timeline

Response Fund: 14 days from fund opening to award disbursement

Chicago BridgeBuilders Fund:

• Notifications: Typically in November
• Cohort kickoff: Typically in January

Impact Grants: Timeline varies and will be communicated directly to eligible current partners

Success Rates

United Way works with 140+ impact grant partners. Specific application-to-award ratios are not publicly available. The organisation notes that "funding decisions remain competitive and based on available resources."

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not published on United Way's website. For specific guidance, contact communityimpact@liveunitedchicago.org.

Application Success Factors

Geographic Alignment: United Way prioritises organisations "rooted and respected in historically disinvested communities," particularly those aligned with their 17 Neighbourhood Networks. Organisations serving Chicago's South and West Sides and south suburbs have a clear advantage.

Community-Led Approach: CEO Sean Garrett emphasised the importance of "partnering with community-based organisations, following their leadership on how to address issues of housing, economic development and institutional racism in neighbourhoods." Applications should demonstrate community leadership and resident-driven vision, not top-down programme design.

Wraparound Services Philosophy: United Way explicitly states that "no one organisation can provide the wrap-around services necessary to ensure every person has access to their foundational needs." They seek to connect neighbourhood stakeholders and organisations working towards community well-being. Applications should demonstrate collaboration and holistic service delivery.

Capacity for Growth: The Chicago BridgeBuilders Fund specifically targets organisations "with an interest in building new capacity." United Way wants to invest in organisations ready to grow and develop, not just maintain current operations.

Recent Grant Recipients as Examples: Organisations funded through the Response Fund for food insecurity include Beyond Hunger, Breakthrough Urban Ministries, Brighton Park Neighbourhood Council, Catholic Charities, Cornerstone Community Development Corporation, Enlace Chicago, GAP Community Center, Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN), Inspiration Corporation, La Casa Norte, Loaves and Fishes, Meals on Wheels Chicago, New Life Centers (Pan de Vida), Northern Illinois Food Bank, Nourishing Hope, Onward Neighbourhood House, People's Resource Center, Pilsen Food Pantry, Respond Now, Restoration Ministries Inc., Salvation Army, St. Sabina Church, Together We Cope, and Youth Crossroads Inc.

Strategic Priorities Language: United Way uses specific terminology around their four grant strategies (Place-Based Wraparound Services, Place-Based Issue-Focused Services, Regionwide Wraparound Services, Regionwide Issue-Focused Services). Understanding these categories and articulating how your organisation fits within them can strengthen applications.

Focus on Equity: Following the organisation's $25 million gift from MacKenzie Scott (specifically endorsing their place-based approach) and their equity-focused Response Fund and Chicago BridgeBuilders Fund, applications should clearly articulate how they address systemic inequities and support historically disinvested communities.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• New applicants cannot currently apply for Impact Grants - the programme is closed to new organisations, but the Chicago BridgeBuilders Fund offers an alternative pathway for small organisations (under $1M budget) in South/West Chicago or south suburbs
• Geographic focus is critical - organisations serving Chicago's 17 Neighbourhood Networks (especially South and West Sides and south suburbs) are strongly preferred
• Unrestricted funding is a key benefit - the Chicago BridgeBuilders Fund provides up to $50,000 with no usage restrictions, recognising that small community-based organisations know their needs best
• Capacity building is emphasised - successful applicants receive not just funding but intensive support, DePaul University partnerships, and networking opportunities with funders
• Community-led approach matters - CEO Sean Garrett explicitly stated the importance of "following their [community organisations'] leadership," so applications should demonstrate resident-driven vision and local rootedness
• Response Fund exists for emergencies - whilst invitation-only, this demonstrates United Way's ability to move quickly (14-day turnaround) when urgent needs arise
• Sign up for the Community Impact Mailing List - this is the recommended way to stay informed about future funding opportunities as programmes evolve

References

1. United Way of Metropolitan Chicago - GuideStar Profile - Organisation overview and financial information
2. United Way of Metro Chicago Official Website - General organisational information
3. Impact Grants Programme Funding and Applications - Impact Grants programme details
4. Chicago BridgeBuilders Fund: Grant Application - Chicago BridgeBuilders Fund information and timeline
5. United Way Launches Response Fund - Response Fund announcement
6. Announcing United Neighbourhoods Equity Fund 2025 Grantees - Recent grantee announcement
7. 2024-2025 United Way of Metro Chicago Impact Report - Annual impact statistics
8. A Statement From Our CEO - Sean Garrett's statement on equity and justice
9. Neighbourhood Networks - Information about place-based funding approach
10. Our Team - Leadership and governance information
11. United Way of Metropolitan Chicago - ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - IRS Form 990 filings and grant data
12. Contact Us - Contact information