Empowering Chicago’s Youth: McDonald’s Community Impact Grants Program
For many years, McDonald’s has been a source of memorable experiences that nourish and cultivate communities worldwide. Despite its global presence, Chicago remains a unique location due to the company’s historical ties dating back to 1955. As one of the largest employers based in the Windy City, McDonald’s continues to support local organizations.
In 2022, McDonald’s launched the Chicago Community Impact Grants Program in collaboration with The Chicago Community Trust. This initiative involved investing in grants for local organizations focused on enhancing opportunities for young people. Here’s a glimpse of the difference made by McDonald’s grants over the past year to organizations serving young people:
In 2022, McDonald’s launched the Chicago Community Impact Grants Program in collaboration with The Chicago Community Trust. This initiative involved investing in grants for local organizations focused on enhancing opportunities for young people. Here’s a glimpse of the difference made by McDonald’s grants over the past year to organizations serving young people:
- The grant partners in Chicago engaged with 54,087 young individuals aged 16-24, with 13,464 of them participating in programs funded by these grants. These young people explored career and educational paths while receiving guidance, mentorship, and financial literacy education.
- The partners provided 21,415 hours of coaching and mentoring, helping 1,493 young individuals develop their confidence, skills, and networks.
- McDonald’s grants also supported organizations that connected 6,834 young people to workforce development and training in sectors like green energy, banking, healthcare, and culinary arts.
- To amplify the impact of McDonald’s grants in communities, 1,430 McDonald’s volunteers interacted with young people at the funded organizations, contributing 4,995 hours of service.
In 2023, McDonald’s is strengthening its commitment to 18 of these organizations, ensuring they have the necessary resources to enhance the skills and capacities of young people, preparing them for various career paths.
“Expanding support for youth organizations in our city is critical – by uplifting young people, providing tools and resources they need to succeed, we’re creating opportunity for the next generation of Chicago,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.
“And it's with the help of companies and businesses like McDonald’s that we’re able to make a true, and lasting impact when it comes to Chicago youth opportunity in our communities.”
“And it's with the help of companies and businesses like McDonald’s that we’re able to make a true, and lasting impact when it comes to Chicago youth opportunity in our communities.”
Addressing disparities and empowering the communities we serve is crucial to creating the change we envision. The program will persist in aiding nonprofit organizations that are actively promoting safe, healthy, and flourishing community support systems while striving to eliminate obstacles to employment and education opportunities for Black and Latinx youth in the South and West sides of Chicago. Our commitment to Youth Opportunity has been steadfast for several years globally, and this is a prime example of how it materializes in our hometown.
Curious about the organizations that McDonald’s is backing through the latest Chicago Community Impact Grants Program? Here’s a glimpse of the local nonprofits that are partnering with us to dismantle employment barriers:
A Safe Haven
Association House
Build Chicago
By the Hand
Center on Halsted
Chicago Cred
Chicago Scholars
Chicago Urban League
Chicago Youth Centers
Hope Chicago
Instituto del Progreso Latino
Junior Achievement of Chicago
La Casa Norte
Metropolitan Family Services
North Lawndale Employment Network
Project Syncere
UCAN
YMCA Chicago Metro
“Expanding support for youth organizations in our city is critical – by uplifting young people, providing tools and resources they need to succeed, we’re creating opportunity for the next generation of Chicago,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.
“And it's with the help of companies and businesses like McDonald’s that we’re able to make a true, and lasting impact when it comes to Chicago youth opportunity in our communities.”
“And it's with the help of companies and businesses like McDonald’s that we’re able to make a true, and lasting impact when it comes to Chicago youth opportunity in our communities.”
Addressing disparities and empowering the communities we serve is crucial to creating the change we envision. The program will persist in aiding nonprofit organizations that are actively promoting safe, healthy, and flourishing community support systems while striving to eliminate obstacles to employment and education opportunities for Black and Latinx youth in the South and West sides of Chicago. Our commitment to Youth Opportunity has been steadfast for several years globally, and this is a prime example of how it materializes in our hometown.
Curious about the organizations that McDonald’s is backing through the latest Chicago Community Impact Grants Program? Here’s a glimpse of the local nonprofits that are partnering with us to dismantle employment barriers:
A Safe Haven
Association House
Build Chicago
By the Hand
Center on Halsted
Chicago Cred
Chicago Scholars
Chicago Urban League
Chicago Youth Centers
Hope Chicago
Instituto del Progreso Latino
Junior Achievement of Chicago
La Casa Norte
Metropolitan Family Services
North Lawndale Employment Network
Project Syncere
UCAN
YMCA Chicago Metro
Companies