2017/18 event highlights

Fall Launch – September 2017

Over 100 women gathered at Jackson Junge Gallery for Impact Grants Chicago's Fall Launch event. President Kristen Pettit Grube announced our goal of awarding FOUR $100,000 Impact Grants in our first year as Impact Grants Chicago. The evening of conversation was highlighted by a wine tasting from Jackson Family Wines and delicious appetizers featuring local beelove honey from Sweet Beginnings, a social enterprise of North Lawndale Employment Network. Below are a few photos from the event. To view all of the photos, please click here: Fall Launch Photos – September, 2017

Lunch and Learn – November, 2017

More than 80 members and guests attended our Lunch and Learn event, "Violence in Our City." The panel discussion with Tamar Manasseh, founder and director of Mothers Against Senseless Killings and a 2016 Chicagoan of the Year; Alexis Mansfield, Lead Attorney for CLAIM at Cabrini Green Legal Aid; Patrick Brosnan, Executive Director of Brighton Park Neighborhood Council; and Emily Cole, Supervisor, Alternative Prosecution and Sentencing Unit, Cook County State's Attorney's Office, was honest, thoughtful and informative. We left with more knowledge of this complex issue and ways we can make a positive impact in our community.

Kickoff Event – January, 2018

Over 100 women connected over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to celebrate the start of our first grant cycle as Impact Grants Chicago. President Kristen Pettit Grube announced that Impact Grants Chicago membership had reached 452 Founding Members to date and would award FOUR $100,000 Impact Grants at the Grant Awards Celebration on May 29. Attendees were treated to a musical performance from The People’s Music School. Below are a few photos from the event. To view all of the photos, please click here: Kickoff Event Photos – January, 2018

Grantee Volunteer Opportunities – April, 2018

Impact Grants Chicago members had the opportunity to volunteer with two Chicago nonprofits working to make a difference in our city.
Cabrini Green Legal Aid (CGLA)
CGLA provides wraparound services and advocacy for people affected by the criminal justice system. One of their programs is the Reunification Ride Program, which provides bus rides for children to visit their mothers who are currently incarcerated. Impact Grants Chicago volunteers prepared much-needed toiletry bags for the incarcerated women and learned about the criminal justice system and the difficulties women face in prison.
Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT)
Impact Grants Chicago volunteers heard from CWIT's executive director about the organization and its work and CWIT members shared their experiences with the organization. Afterwards, volunteers had an opportunity to work one-on-one with CWIT members in learning the basic skills of welding and electrical work.

2018 Grant Awards Celebration – May, 2018

Impact Grants Chicago's inaugural year concluded with an inspiring evening celebrating our four $100,000 Impact Grant recipients and our four $17,500 Merit Grant recipients for a total of $570,000. The Grant Awards Celebration also allowed for Impact Grants Chicago's 470 Founding Members and their guests to connect with one another in a unique space while enjoying delicious food and drink over engaging conversation. Below are a few photos from the event. To view all the photos, please click here: 2018 Grant Awards Celebration Photos