We Rise Together – Advancing Youth Workforce Development in Chicago’s Communities

The "We Rise Together – Advancing Youth Workforce Development in Chicago’s Communities" grant is a funding opportunity aimed at addressing youth workforce development challenges in the Chicago area. This initiative is part of the broader We Rise Together coalition, which focuses on accelerating equity in the Chicago region’s economic recovery, particularly in communities that were disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant program is supported by a coalition of public and private funders, with a special focus on communities that are predominantly Black and Latine.

The program seeks to support projects that offer young people aged 14 to 24 access to workforce development opportunities. Special consideration is given to those youth who are disengaged from traditional education systems or face significant barriers to employment, such as economic hardship, housing instability, disabilities, or involvement in the criminal legal system. The goal is to equip these youth with the competencies, resources, and networks necessary to secure meaningful employment, particularly in high-demand fields like healthcare, technology, and skilled trades.

The We Rise Together initiative provides grants for workforce development programs that address the root causes of youth unemployment, including limited access to competency-building programs, inadequate training, and systemic barriers to employment. Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative strategies to break down these barriers, such as offering paid short-term training programs, apprenticeships, and partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions, and other community organizations.

Grants will be awarded to organizations based in or primarily serving residents of Cook County, Illinois. The funding amount ranges from $75,000 to $200,000, depending on the organization's size and scope. Smaller organizations with budgets under $1 million can receive up to $75,000, while larger organizations with budgets over $1 million are eligible for up to $200,000. The total funding available for this program is approximately $800,000, and between 4 to 10 awards are expected to be made.

The application process requires interested parties to submit a proposal via The Chicago Community Trust's online system, GrantCentral. A full application is due by March 13, 2025. Applicants must complete an organization profile, and late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. Applicants may also participate in an Information Session held on February 5, 2025, to clarify the application process.

Once applications are reviewed, site visits or interviews may take place between April 28 and May 16, 2025, with possible extensions until May 30, 2025. Funding decisions are expected by August 21, 2025. The grant period for funded projects will last for 12 months, from the date of the award.