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 Healthy Illinois Campaign, which works to create inclusive legislation for health access.
Nearly 80% of students graduated in 2021, up 21 points since 2008.
Little Village residents’ enrollment in 2- and 4-year colleges has nearly doubled since 2006.
The share of the population without insurance had declined since 2014.
The cost of renting as a percentage of household income has decreased slightly, despite a recent spike in household income.
Household income saw a big jump before the pandemic.
Grants & Partners since 2020
$18,152,000
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| $9,459,000 | 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 |
| $1,770,000 | Institute for Latino Progress | Contributing to the fullest development of Latino immigrants and their families through education, training, and employment. | 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 |
| $1,110,000 | 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 |
| $845,000 | 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 |
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George Salazar, Urban Warriors
Amy Roman, The Alliance 98
