McDonald’s Chicago Community Impact Grants

McDonald’s Chicago Community Impact Grants Program supports local organizations in empowering youth and addressing urgent community needs in Chicago. Since launching the initiative in 2022 in partnership with The Chicago Community Trust, McDonald’s has awarded over $8.5 million to support projects that promote youth empowerment, workforce readiness, and food access across the city. The program is part of the company’s long-term commitment to investing in the communities it calls home. For the 2025–2026 grant cycle, McDonald’s is relaunching the initiative to continue supporting organizations that serve Chicago youth, specifically those between the ages of 16 and 24. This year’s program focuses on two core priority areas: Fostering Communities: Pathways to Empowerment, which funds workforce readiness programs such as apprenticeships, employment training, and mentorship; and Feeding Futures: Food Access and Insecurity, which supports food security programs like food pantries, urban agriculture, and community-led solutions in underserved areas. Organizations may request between approximately $50,000 and $150,000 in project-based funding. The final grant amount will depend on the demonstrated need and strength of the application. A limited number of grants will be awarded in this competitive process. Preference is given to community-based nonprofits with strong impact records, sustainable operations, and opportunities for volunteer engagement with McDonald’s employees. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations based in Chicago that do not engage in political, sectarian, or discriminatory activity and that serve youth aged 16–24. The grant supports only program-specific requests directly aligned with one of the two focus areas. Organizations must be registered under local charitable law, typically as a 501(c)(3), and must not have received funding from McDonald’s within the previous 12 months. The application opens on September 30, 2025, and closes at 11:59 PM CT on October 31, 2025. An informational webinar will be held on October 6, 2025, at 1 PM CT to help prospective applicants prepare their submissions. Required materials include a program budget, W-9 or proof of nonprofit status, and demographic and impact data. Selected grantees will be expected to report on outcomes, including youth served, employment metrics, or meals delivered depending on their program type. For questions, applicants may email CommunityImpact@us.mcd.com.

Ensure program aligns closely with one of the two focus areas and directly serves Chicago youth aged 16–24. Emphasize measurable outcomes and include strong sustainability and partnership narratives.