Requests for Proposals for African American Legacy Fund

The African American Legacy (AAL) is an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, dedicated to improving the quality of life for Black people throughout metropolitan Chicago. Led by Black civic and community leaders, AAL functions as a philanthropic and educational initiative, aligning with the Trust's broader mission of fostering community well-being. Its strategic approach is grounded in the philosophies of collective giving, community engagement, and grant-making, serving as a convener and catalyst to drive significant impact in Black communities. AAL's primary beneficiaries are Black-led and Black-serving community organizations that are responsive and rooted in their communities. The overarching impact goal is to empower and strengthen Black communities by addressing systemic challenges and promoting equitable opportunities. This is achieved by supporting organizations that educate and engage communities, and provide neighborhood-based services and solutions to community problems, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and thriving metropolitan Chicago. The program focuses on five key areas: Community and Civic Engagement, Mental Health, Wealth Creation, Arts and Sciences Education, and Environmental Justice. In Community and Civic Engagement, AAL supports work in leadership development, voting rights/access activism, and community organizing to dismantle anti-Black racism. For Mental Health, it backs organizations preparing providers or community members to deliver or advocate for mental health services, especially trauma-informed care, in response to the disproportionate stress burden on Black communities. Wealth Creation initiatives aim to build economic empowerment through financial literacy, entrepreneurship, workforce re-entry, and trade skills. Arts and Sciences Education supports academic enrichment in STEAM for Black children and young adults, fostering creativity. Finally, Environmental Justice focuses on protecting and advocating for the built/natural environment and ensuring communities of color are not disproportionately impacted by environmental hazards. AAL's theory of change posits that by supporting Black-led and Black-serving organizations working in these critical focus areas, it can drive measurable improvements in community well-being and dismantle anti-Black racism. Expected outcomes include increased civic participation, improved access to mental health services, enhanced economic stability, greater educational attainment in STEAM fields, and more equitable environmental conditions. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $20,000 for one year, with eligible organizations having annual operating budgets between $50,000 and $2,000,000. Eligibility also requires 501(c)(3) status, fiscal sponsorship, or governmental unit status.