Established in 2024, the Jane Addams Legacy Fund enriches our region by addressing the unique needs of women and the issues they face. Granting from this fund is for nonprofits organizations with programs and projects addressing economic mobility, leadership, health & well-being, and equity & social justice to further support, elevate, and empower Northwest Illinois women.

► Economic Mobility Programs/services which directly encourage, train, or facilitate the economic independence of women. This includes apprenticeships, basic skills training, education, financial management, workforce development, etc.

► Leadership Programs/services which provide opportunities to develop leadership skills that help to build confidence, ownership of their careers, resiliency, and advancement into new roles.

► Health & Well-Being Programs/services which support equitable access to healthcare and promote, protect, and restore health – physical, emotional, psychological, social.

► Equity & Social Justice Programs/services which seek to meet women where they are by providing resources that will allow them to thrive. This includes but is not limited to supporting access to housing, nutritious food and meal preparation, and programs that address the root causes of gender or racial inequality.