Little Village

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Little Village arch on 26th Street, Chicago

United and Vibrant

For nearly half a century, Little Village has been home to a robust Mexican American community. A rich cultural heritage runs through its businesses, restaurants, churches, institutions, and politics, thereby strengthening the neighborhood. We partner with Enlace Chicago and support efforts to engage youth, improve health care access, stimulate business growth, and create pathways to educational achievement.

The Robert R. McCormick Foundation is committed to long-term solutions that pay dividends for generations. The success of our community investments depends on the strength of organizations that have a passion for their neighborhoods. Successful organizations embrace high-impact strategies, steward vibrant networks of residents, businesses, and other community stakeholders, and cultivate resilience.

Applications for funding are extended by invitation only. At this time, unsolicited letters of inquiry are not accepted.

Community Snapshot

In the last decade, the Little Village community has experienced significant gains in different areas. The Little Village Education Collaborative’s members, convened by Enlace Chicago to implement the strategies in the Quality-of-Life Plan, have collaborated with Chicago Public Schools to improve educational attainment, and these efforts are reflected in the increase in high school graduation rates and college enrollment. The uninsured rate also has decreased, due to the work of organizations and initiatives such as the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) and the Healthy Illinois Campaign, both working to create inclusive legislation for health access.

 

Nearly 80% of students graduated in 2021, up 21 points since 2008.


Source:
University of Chicago To and Through Project

 

Little Village residents’ enrollment in 2- and 4-year colleges has nearly doubled since 2006.


Source:
University of Chicago To and Through Project

 

The share of the population without insurance had declined since 2014.


Source:
Heartland Alliance Chicago Community Data Portal

 

The cost of renting as a percentage of household income has decreased slightly, despite a recent spike in household income.


Source:
Heartland Alliance Chicago Community Data Portal

 

Household income saw a big jump before the pandemic.


Source:
Heartland Alliance Chicago Community Data Portal

Grants & Partners since 2020

$8,859,000

The Foundation invests in a broad range of social service, business, and job training programs to support residents where they need it most.

Total Organization
$5,059,000 Enlace Chicago Dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of Little Village residents by fostering a safe and healthy environment and by championing opportunities for educational advancement and economic development. Learn More
$1,215,000 Foundation for Little Village Supporting and encouraging business growth through entrepreneurial opportunities impacting the economic wellness of our community. Learn More
$375,000 Central States SER Jobs for Progress Assisting marginalized and disadvantaged residents across the Chicago area in achieving their career and academic goals through quality employment, education and training programs. Learn More
$350,000 Institute for Latino Progress Contributing to the fullest development of Latino immigrants and their families through education, training, and employment. Learn More
$260,000 New Life Centers of Chicagoland Providing hope and healing by connecting families to fresh food, community, and relationships through Pan de Vida food distribution. Learn More

Little Village Community

Community Capital

Chicago’s South and West Sides boast significant assets, from legacy commercial corridors to historic buildings. The Foundation is uniquely positioned to identify investment opportunities to enhance economic and community development, and grow employment through our community partnerships and civic relationships.

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Public Safety

We have seen firsthand how community-based efforts, backed by citywide investment, is interrupting violence. Improving public safety starts with creating viable paths to economic opportunity, including workforce training, health care, and jobs.

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Endy Salgado and Aldo Vazquez, New Life Centers

Endy Salgado and Aldo Vazquez, New Life Centers

Endy enjoyed being physically active as a youngster. Most of all, he loved to run—every minute of every day. So when Epifanio Diaz of New…
Giselle Garcia, Beyond the Ball

Giselle Garcia, Beyond the Ball

Giselle, 21, feels like she grew up in Beyond the Ball, a nonprofit in Little Village that uses the power of sport and play to…
Luis Gonzalez, Erie Neighborhood House

Luis Gonzalez, Erie Neighborhood House

The oldest of three siblings in a family with immigrant parents, Luis has felt pressure to succeed. The high school senior has received mentorship in…