2026 grantees
Each year women join Impact Grants Chicago to collectively fund $100,000 Impact Grants to Chicago nonprofits that are dedicated to addressing the challenges facing our city. In 2026, we awarded four Impact Grants of $100,000 and three $40,000 Merit Grants.
$100,000 Impact Grant Award Recipients
With the $100,000 impact grant, Centro Romero will focus on human capital for three of its long-term programs: Immigration Legal Services, Adult Education, and Family Services which includes Domestic Violence Prevention, Youth Leadership Development, and Public Benefits Access. Any remaining funds will be used to address occupancy and office equipment needs.
Children's Research Triangle's spending priorities over the next two years will center on sustaining free, trauma-informed youth mental healthcare in community-based settings on Chicago's South and West sides. Due to steep declines in federal funding, the Impact Grant will provide critical bridge support to protect access to care for youth and families already relying on CRT's services, particularly at four long-time partner schools in the Auburn Gresham, Roseland-Pullman, and West Englewood neighborhoods. By stabilizing services during this transition, the grant will prevent increased waitlists and disruptions in continuity of care, while positioning CRT for long-term sustainability beyond federal support.
With the $100,000 grant, Imagine Englewood If (IEi) will expand its near-peer tutoring model by increasing program staff support and offering stipends for teen mentors. The organization will also build out structured career pathways, certifications, and hands-on learning opportunities anchored by its new MPower House. Finally, IEi will expand the wraparound services offered through the Peace Campus to families of youth participants.
Receiving the $100,000 grant allows Law Center for Better Housing to provide wraparound supportive services to their legal clients with greater flexibility. Additionally, LCBH plans to increase pro bono engagement by growing their roster of volunteers and partnering with more firms, and to expand service in their Virtual Clinic for clients who only require brief legal services.
