Impact at a Glance

Our impact starts at the root—with the seed of an idea. We believe that ideas should be available to everyone, irrespective of their circumstances. Whether you give $5 or $50, your contribution keeps ideas accessible to everyone so that we can all create a more joyful and prosperous Chicago.

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The Ideas Platform for Progress

From our Youth program to our social innovation fellowship, and member events to volunteer opportunities, Chicago Ideas is designed to foster connections that spark action. Learn more about what makes us tick, who informs our programming, and how we're impacting our community.

Meet Our Youth

Chicago Ideas Youth Program

No one in Chicago is more committed to building up leaders than the BHSI Fellowship.

Jahmal Cole

2017 BHSI Fellow; Founder & Executive Director, My Block My Hood My City

Meet BHSI Fellows

#DearSocialMedia

Learn about a youth-led movement the Chicago Ideas Youth Ambassadors participated in this year in partnership with the Susan Crown Exchange and Attn: Media

Explore CI Youth Learn more about us

The 77 Project: Connecting Chicago Through Storytelling

The 77 Project is a storytelling and media project presented by Xfinity with additional support from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to help share the narrative of our neighborhoods from the inside out. Our hope is that this project will help inspire citizens to connect with solution-makers in the city of Chicago and beyond.

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Green Star Movement Transforms Chicago’s Public Spaces One Mural at a Time

Learn more about how Green Start Movement connects communities through public art.

Community Area #28: Near West Side - Cara

Hear from the Cara team about how they have been creating a pathway out of poverty for their participants since 1991.

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Center on Halsted is Creating a Safe Space for LGBTQIA Youth from the South and West Sides

Center on Halsted is a place for all, with programs designed for LGTBQIA youth to seniors and all ages and demographics in between.

Platforms in the Park | Presented in Partnership with Xfinity

This summer, Chicago Ideas activated in 12 parks in every corner of the city. Learn more about this city-wide activation, and the communities impacted.

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More Ways to Get Involved

There are many ways you can make an impact on your community with Chicago Ideas, beyond attending our events. See what you can do to join our Community of Curiosity.