On November 30, the Chicago Bulls announced the 17 Chicagoland nonprofit organizations that will receive grants for the 2016-17 season from Chicago Bulls Charities and through the Chicago Bulls Community Assist Fund. The grants were awarded to organizations that support underserved Chicagoans and share the Bulls’ commitment to youth education, youth health and wellness, violence prevention, and military and first responder support.
Seven grants were made by Chicago Bulls Charities and 11 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 at 50% by the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
The team expanded its giving footprint this season by adding two grantees that are based in the Northwest Suburbs: The Bridge Youth & Family Services and Clearbrook. The expanded footprint reflects the team’s commitment to giving back in the community surrounding the Bulls’ new NBA Development League team, the Windy City Bulls.
The nonprofit organizations receiving grants were honored during an on-court ceremony on Wednesday, November 30, when the Bulls hosted the Los Angeles Lakers. 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.
“Our 2016-17 grantees are leaders in our philanthropic community, providing essential services to local children and families,” said Nancy Reinsdorf, President of Chicago Bulls Charities. “These organizations are addressing some of the most pressing needs in the Chicagoland area through innovative programs that demonstrate proven results. Chicago Bulls Charities is proud to support their efforts.”
“We know that the Chicago Bulls believe in creating communities that thrive,” said David Hiller, President and CEO of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. “Together, we are investing in great front-line programs that provide vital services to children, adults, and families. We are incredibly proud to support these efforts, knowing that they help build stronger communities.”
Grants were awarded to the following organizations through the Chicago Bulls Community Assist Fund, a McCormick Foundation Fund:
- After School Matters
- After-School All-Stars
- Chicago Parks Foundation
- Embarc, Inc.
- La Rabida Children’s Hospital
- Marwen Foundation
- Mercy Home
- The Posse Foundation
- Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana
- Youth Guidance
Chicago Bulls Charities awarded grants to the following organizations:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago
- The Bridge Youth and Family Services
- Bright Pink
- Clearbrook
- Gilda’s Club Chicago
- Greater Chicago Food Depository
- YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
This season’s grants build on the team’s long history of providing financial and in-kind support to local organizations. Chicago Bulls Charities 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.