Woods Fund Chicago

In Woods Fund Chicago's newly released Biannual Report, we reflect on 2022-2023 and what it takes to put a strategic plan to action. We look at our strategic plan goals announced in 2022 and report our progress — as well as where there is still work to be done. This newsletter, we're sharing these reflections and celebrating the recent achievements of WFC leadership, from Board Member Kimberley Rudd being named a Crain's 2024 Notable Black Leader to President Michelle Morales receiving the 2024 Professional Grantor Award. Read now: https://lnkd.in/ghcYFFXm Photo credits: CHICAGO WORKERS COLLABORATIVE, SOUTHSIDERS ORGANIZED FOR UNITY AND LIBERATION

Our latest newsletter reflects upon the work required of funders through the existing and coming challenges ahead; obstacles our grantee partners might face in their community organizing; the effects of white supremacy that pervade systems such as the immigration process; and the threat of burnout that limits organizations fighting for change. Read this month's newsletter, including a reflection from WFC Program Officer Bahati Aimee on supporting Black migrants, a challenge to the fundraising hustle during giving season, and a round-up of readings and resources for National Native American Heritage month ?? https://lnkd.in/gX3w5iAR Photo credit: Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, featuring members of United African Organization

What We're Reading: Despite the growing prevalence of Mexican populations in Chicago, there is little study of the demographic’s experiences and needs. Linda Tortolero, president of WFC grantee partner Mujeres Latinas en Acción led a focus group that developed the new report "Fuerza Mexicana: The Past, Present, and Power of Mexicans in Chicagoland," highlighting the history of Mexicans in Chicago and collecting data about systemic issues Mexican communities face in the city. Read more from WTTW/Chicago PBS: https://lnkd.in/gJAq_nwn

In case you missed it: Woods Fund Chicago’s Biannual Report outlines our 2022-2024 strategic plan's process and goals with updates on our implementation progress, successes, and lessons learned during this period, featuring insights from WFC Board Chair L. Anton Seals, Jr., President Michelle Morales, and members of our staff. Strategic planning is a living process; we invite you into this process and to join us as we reflect upon the many significant transformations that we are proud of — and the work that is still to be done. Read the 2022-2023 Biannual Report at: https://lnkd.in/g3rC28kn Photo credit: Live Free Illinois

What We're Reading: Following the termination of Chicago’s contract with controversial tech company ShotSpotter, debates continue regarding the technology’s efficacy and how to best address public safety while recognizing policing patterns of discrimination that are possibly mirrored in tech solutions. Grantee partner Lucy Parsons Labs zeroes in on technology’s role in enabling systemic harm. Co-director and Researcher Freddy Martinez provides input on how even a ShotSpotter alternative would be unlikely to be effective. Read more from Block Club Chicago: https://lnkd.in/gVkQ5a5A

Kimberley Rudd, President of Rudd Resources LLC and Woods Fund Chicago Board Member has been named one of Crain's Chicago Business' 2024 Notable Black Leaders! Kim is a seasoned communications and public affairs professional whose work has intersected with community development, healthcare, education, transportation, and more. She has served on the Woods Fund Chicago Board since 2022. “I've always tried to align my values, career and passions with work and service that allow me to flow between leadership and followship. I am a steward of ideas and actions as much as I am a leader of anything, because I find a lot of power, energy and impact in supporting people and organizations. Servant leadership is my thing! I'm blessed to have curated a life where my identity and experiences as a Black woman are welcome into nearly every space I occupy, allowing me to do what I can to advance issues I think are important to overlooked communities. So many people have opened doors for me, and I'm grateful. Sometimes it's an opening to a space where my identity or leadership style aren't valued they way I want, and that's when I either turn to another leader for support or I make my way out.” Woods Fund Chicago congratulates Kim on this recognition of her impactful work.

Our grantee partners and peers are hiring! Learn more about open opportunities to join organizations, coalitions, and nonprofit sector peers that are making an impact, including Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago, Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, Cabrini Green Legal Aid, Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI), Enlace Chicago, Faith in Place, HANA Center, Illinois Black Advocacy Initiative, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Inner-city Muslim Action Network, and Mujeres Latinas en Acción. *Please note*: The Michael Reese Health Trust positions are no longer available. Learn more about these opportunities at https://lnkd.in/dPgifSbd. #JobOpportunities #NonprofitCareers #CommunityOrganizing

In case you missed it: It's hard to believe it's been over two months since the DNC took place in Chicago, but with democracy on the mind, we are looking back to our August piece about the DNC and the role of protest. Woods Fund Chicago's grantmaking supports both community organizing and public policy advocacy, and that is because we believe both are necessary (and often work hand in hand) in righting the wrongs of white supremacy embedded into this country since its inception. Racial and economic inequities are not contained within party lines, and the gains that have been won throughout history have often been possible through persistent community organizing, protest, and public policy that centers and listens to the communities that make up a constituency. Take a look back at our full piece from our August newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gXV4s-Xu

Next month, join Woods Fund Chicago grantee partner Healing to Action for their inaugural Solidarity Mercadito / Mercadito de Solidaridad. With 40% of survivors living paycheck to paycheck and 1 in 2 survivors as their family’s primary breadwinner, many survivors are embracing entrepreneurship and self-employment to overcome employment hurdles and create more flexible work options. ?? On November 13, 5:00 - 9:00 p.m., HTA is uplifting the entrepreneurial spirit and economic power of survivors within their survivor-leadership base and among the communities most impacted by gender-based violence by hosting the Solidarity Mercadito at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen! Join for an evening of solidarity shopping, music, food/drinks, raffle prizes, and community that directly benefits survivors of gender-based violence and BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and immigrant entrepreneurs in Chicago. This is a free community event and families are welcome! RSVP for free at: https://lnkd.in/gz6NGgte

?? Join grantee partner Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) for the Elected School Board Information Session & Candidate Meet-and-Greet on Thursday, October 24, 10AM – 1PM at SEIU Healthcare on Halsted. This event is part of the National Week of Action Against School Pushout with Dignity in Schools Coalition and will focus on voting districts 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10. Learn more and RSVP here OR scan the QR code below: https://lnkd.in/gf-74pMY