December 10, 2013 -- The Chicago Bulls announced today that 12 Chicagoland nonprofit organizations will receive grants for the 2013-14 season. The grants were awarded to organizations that support underserved Chicagoans and share the Bulls’ commitment to youth education, health and wellness, and violence prevention.
Three grants were made by Chicago Bulls Charities and nine grants were made through the Chicago Bulls Community Assist Fund, a McCormick Foundation Fund. The Chicago Bulls Community Assist Fund, established in 2009, is supported with major funding from Chicago Bulls Charities, which is matched 50% by the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
The nonprofit organizations receiving grants were honored during an on-court ceremony at the Bulls game vs. Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, December 10. Chicago Bulls President and COO Michael Reinsdorf, Chicago Bulls Charities President Nancy Reinsdorf, Chicago Bulls Charities Vice President Leslie Forman and representatives from the McCormick Foundation were in attendance to recognize these organizations.
“Chicago Bulls Charities is proud to support the work of our 2013 grant recipients,” said Nancy Reinsdorf. “These organizations make significant contributions to their communities every day, and we are honored to partner with them. These grants will support programs that have proven results and are making a significant impact on those in need.”
“The Chicago Bulls Community Assist Fund and McCormick Foundation share a commitment to addressing the growing needs of the Chicagoland community,” said David Hiller, president and CEO of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. “Thanks to the generous fans and donors, we are able to support these amazing community organizations working tirelessly to improve the lives of underserved youth, adults and families across Chicago.”
Grants were awarded to the following organizations through the Chicago Bulls Community Assist Fund:
• After-School All-Stars
• After School Matters, Inc.
• Academy for Urban School Leadership
• B.U.I.L.D.
• City Year, Inc.
• La Rabida Children’s Hospital
• Metropolitan Family Services
• Mission of Our Lady of Mercy
• Youth Guidance
Chicago Bulls Charities awarded grants to the following organizations:
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago
• Bright Pink
• Gilda’s Club Chicago
This is the first season Chicago Bulls Charities has embarked on a formal grant-making process, which will become an annual effort. This season’s grants build on the team’s long history of financial support for local organizations dating back to the founding of CharitaBulls, the precursor to Chicago Bulls Charities, in 1987. In early 2012, the Chicago Bulls introduced a refined focus for the team’s charitable giving activity to operate under the new name of Chicago Bulls Charities. The team’s charity works closely with the entire Bulls basketball family to address community concerns and find ways for the Bulls to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.