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.
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.
#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
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.

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.
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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.
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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.
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.

Volunteer
Chicago Ideas Week thrives because of Volunteers who help during The Week. It's a great first step to getting more involved.
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Join today and experience Chicago Ideas year round
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