Chicago-based Community Progress Maker Joins Leading Nonprofit Organizations Across the United States to Address Urban Challenges Ranging from Affordable Housing to Environmental Sustainability and Infrastructure
[Chicago] – May 18, 2016 – Delta Institute announced today that it has been selected as a recipient of the Community Progress Makers Fund, a $20 million grant initiative to support 40 visionary nonprofit organizations in their efforts to establish new approaches to long-standing urban economic challenges in the United States – including economic development, environment sustainability, urban infrastructure, and affordable housing.
As part of the program, Delta Institute will receive a core operating support grant of $500,000 over the course of two years to continue its community revitalization efforts in Chicago’s Illinois Medical District and surrounding neighborhoods. This new injection of funds will help bolster existing initiatives while opening up the door to additional partnerships and stakeholder engagement efforts in the community. In addition to the grant, Delta Institute will also have access to technical assistance from leading national researchers and experts and will be provided opportunities to connect with other grantees to share and learn best practices.
“We are honored to be selected as a Community Progress Maker and to have the opportunity to trigger positive change in the communities in and around the Illinois Medical District, which is one of the most densely populated areas of the city but also suffers from significant disinvestment,” said Bill Schleizer, CEO of Delta Institute. “This support will enable us to build on our current efforts in the community to repurpose vacant land for the benefit of area residents in a way that builds partnerships that align area institutions and businesses with local job-seeking residents.”
“The Citi Foundation feels privileged to support organizations that have demonstrated such strong commitments to their local communities and a willingness to share their experiences with others for the betterment of their neighborhoods,” said Brandee McHale, President of the Citi Foundation. “These organizations have a track record of implementing solutions that work for their communities because they know the people there, understand what resources to tap and, most importantly, feel deeply invested in the places where they live and work. We believe that’s the key to leading urban transformation efforts in Chicago and elsewhere across the country.”
The Community Progress Makers Fund builds upon the Citi Foundation’s commitment to identify and support innovative solutions and organizations that are helping build stronger, more resilient cities that are engines of economic opportunity for all. The flexibility of core operating support will allow organizations and their visionary leaders to deploy solutions that address a range of issues.
MEDIA CONTACT: Katie Yocum Musisi, (312) 651-4344
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About Delta Institute
Delta Institute works in partnership with business, government and communities in Chicago and the Great Lakes region to create and implement innovative, market-driven solutions that build environmental resilience, economic vitality, and healthy communities. Visit online at www.delta-institute.org.
About the Citi Foundation
The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant cities. The Citi Foundation’s “More than Philanthropy” approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation. For more information, visit www.citifoundation.com.