2018/19 event highlights

Impactful Conversation – Teen Living Programs – June, 2018

Our June Impactful Conversation with Jeri Linas, Executive Director of Teen Living Programs, was a wonderful social event and learning opportunity enjoyed by our members. The group discussed homelessness among young people in Chicago and what TLP is doing to assist these young people and their families.

Impactful Conversation – Communities In Schools of Chicago – July, 2018

Jane Mentzinger, Executive Director of Communities In Schools of Chicago, joined members and their guests for an Impactful Conversation to discuss the drop-out crisis in Chicago public schools.

Impactful Conversation – One Million Degrees – August, 2018

Paige Ponder, CEO of One Million Degrees, joined members and guests for an Impactful Conversation to discuss the value of mentorship and support for low-income community college students.

Fall Kickoff – September, 2018

Over 100 women gathered at Jackson Junge Gallery on the evening of September 26 for Impact Grants Chicago's Fall Kickoff Event. President Kristen Pettit Grube announced our goal of awarding FIVE $100,000 Impact Grants in 2018-19. The evening of conversation was highlighted by the debut of our 2018 Grant Awards Celebration video. Below are a few photos from the event. To view all of the photos, please click here: Fall Kickoff – September, 2018

Impactful Conversation – La Casa Norte – October, 2018

Members and their guests enjoyed a light breakfast and welcomed Sol Flores, the Founding Executive Director of La Casa Norte, to discuss the effects of homelessness on youth and families in Chicago.

Lunch and Learn – November 2018

A Tale of Two Cities: The Impact of Growing Up Poor in Chicago

This Lunch and Learn explored how poverty leads to inequality across a number of presumed basic human rights, including access to quality education, affordable housing, healthcare and employment opportunities. Our panel included: Sol Flores, Founding Executive Director, La Casa Norte; Jane Mentzinger, CEO, Communities In Schools of Chicago; Lee Hart, Education Program Officer, Chicago Community Trust and Ngozi C. Okorafor, Chief Operating Officer & Senior Policy Advisor, Illinois Department of Central Management Services and Co-Chair, Commission on the Elimination of Poverty.

December Holiday Event – December, 2018

Members and guests joined together for a little “mingle and jingle” social event at the Jackson Junge Gallery. Below are a few photos from the event. To view all of the photos, please click here: December Holiday Event – December, 2018

New Member Breakfast – February, 2019

Impact Grants Chicago began a new tradition with a New Member breakfast where our newest members were welcomed by board members and other leadership and had a chance to get to know one another.

Impactful Conversations – One Million Degrees – April, 2019

One Million Degrees' staff members Paige Ponder, Chief Executive Officer; Andrea Martin, Senior Development Manager; Kate Scheuch, Volunteer & Alumni Programs Coordinator and Allison Lipsman, Chief Development Officer provided us with an update regarding the online coaching community program funded by our 2018 Impact Grant and a deeper understanding of who the organization serves, their collaborations with the Chicago Housing Authority and their plans going forward.

2019 Grant Awards Celebration – May, 2019

Impact Grants Chicago's 2018/19 year concluded with an inspiring evening celebrating our five $100,000 Impact Grant recipients as well as our three $10,000 Merit Grant recipients. The evening also allowed for members and their guests to connect with one another, speak with our finalists and enjoy some delicious food and drink. Below are a few photos from the event. To view all of the photos, please click here: 2019 Grant Awards Celebration – May, 2019