United Way of Metropolitan Chicago Inc

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $32,656,224 (2024)
Success Rate: Not publicly available
Decision Time: Varies by program (14 days for Response Fund; longer for Impact Grants)
Grant Range: $10,000 - $50,000 (varies by program)
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 organizations in the United States, distributing $32,656,224 in grants across 226 awards in 2024. Under the leadership of President & CEO Sean Garrett, United Way operates through a dual-approach strategy: meeting immediate basic needs while transforming neighborhoods from the inside out through community-led initiatives. The organization works with 30,000+ donors, 140+ impact grant partners, and 17 Neighborhood 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 organization's place-based approach to neighborhood transformation. United Way's strategic focus centers on stabilizing low-income families in crisis and building stronger, more equitable communities through collaborative, wraparound services.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Impact Grants Program (Currently closed to new applicants)

Grant amounts vary; multi-year funding commitments
Application method: Invitation-only for current partners
Next funding cycle begins January 2026
Application details shared directly with eligible partners in mid-2025

Chicago BridgeBuilders Fund (formerly United Neighborhoods 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: Organizations with budgets under $1,000,000, serving South and West Sides of Chicago or south suburbs
Application cycle: Opens September 17, 2025; Deadline October 8, 2025; Notifications November 2025; Kickoff January 29, 2026
Since 2021, has invested over $1.8 million in 39 small, local organizations

Response Fund (Emergency/Rapid Response)

Amount: $10,000 - $20,000
Method: Invitation-only for urgent community needs
Recent example: $250,000 distributed to 24 organizations in November 2025 to address food insecurity
Timeline: 20-minute application; awards disbursed within 14 days of fund opening

Neighborhood Networks Initiative

Place-based, community-led funding supporting 17 neighborhoods
Major funding includes $25 million from MacKenzie Scott (2020), $15 million from Cook County's Transforming Places Program, 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 organizations providing:

Food access and food security programs
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 organizations)

Strategic Approach: Four grant strategies guide funding decisions:

Place-Based Wraparound Services
Place-Based Issue-Focused Services
Regionwide Wraparound Services
Regionwide Issue-Focused Services

Geographic Priority: Organizations operating in historically disinvested communities, particularly Chicago's South and West Sides and south suburban region, aligned with United Way's 17 Neighborhood 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:

Organizations with budgets over $1,000,000 are ineligible for the Chicago BridgeBuilders Fund
New applicants cannot currently apply for Impact Grants (closed cycle)
Organizations 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 Program.

Leadership Philosophy: In CEO Sean Garrett's statement on equity and justice, he emphasized: "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," signaling United Way's commitment to action over rhetoric and tangible community impact.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Impact Grants Program: United Way is proceeding with a closed and shortened application process for the next funding cycle (beginning January 2026), 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 in mid-2025.

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

Chicago BridgeBuilders Fund:

Application opens: September 17, 2025
Application deadline: October 8, 2025
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 organization 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 organizations complete a simple 20-minute application.

Decision Timeline

Response Fund: 14 days from fund opening to award disbursement (demonstrated in November 2025 food security grants)

Chicago BridgeBuilders Fund:

Notifications: November 2025
Cohort kickoff: January 29, 2026

Impact Grants: Timeline varies and will be communicated directly to eligible current partners in mid-2025

Success Rates

United Way distributed 226 grants in 2024 and 256 grants in 2023, working with 140+ impact grant partners. Specific application-to-award ratios are not publicly available. The organization 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 prioritizes organizations "rooted and respected in historically disinvested communities," particularly those aligned with their 17 Neighborhood Networks. Organizations serving Chicago's South and West Sides and south suburbs have a clear advantage.

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

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

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

Recent Grant Recipients as Examples: Organizations funded through the November 2025 Response Fund for food insecurity include Beyond Hunger, Breakthrough Urban Ministries, Brighton Park Neighborhood 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 Neighborhood 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 organization fits within them can strengthen applications.

Focus on Equity: Following the organization'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 program is closed to new organizations, but the Chicago BridgeBuilders Fund offers an alternative pathway for small organizations (under $1M budget) in South/West Chicago or south suburbs
Geographic focus is critical - organizations serving Chicago's 17 Neighborhood 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, recognizing that small community-based organizations know their needs best
Capacity building is emphasized - 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 organizations'] leadership," so applications should demonstrate resident-driven vision and local rootedness
Response Fund exists for emergencies - while 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 programs evolve

References

United Way of Metropolitan Chicago - GuideStar Profile - Organization overview and financial information
United Way of Metro Chicago Official Website - General organizational information
Impact Grants Program Funding and Applications - Impact Grants program details
Chicago BridgeBuilders Fund: Grant Application - Chicago BridgeBuilders Fund information and timeline
United Way Launches Response Fund - Response Fund announcement (November 2025)
Announcing United Neighborhoods Equity Fund 2025 Grantees - Recent grantee announcement
2024-2025 United Way of Metro Chicago Impact Report - Annual impact statistics
A Statement From Our CEO - Sean Garrett's statement on equity and justice
Neighborhood Networks - Information about place-based funding approach
Our Team - Leadership and governance information
United Way of Metropolitan Chicago - ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - IRS Form 990 filings and grant data
Contact Us - Contact information

All sources accessed December 2025.