2006 Grants
In 2006, the Eleanor Foundation awarded the first grants, totaling nearly $1.5 million, under its three-year Self-Sufficiency Initiative to the following organizations:
Hub Grants
Heartland Human Care Services
Launched Heartland's IDEA Program, an employer-based model for helping advance working women. Working with employer partners, the program is designed to offer on-site workshops for 1,345 qualifying women workers with whom it addresses financial literacy, housing, employment and computer skills. It delivers longer-term consultations to help 135 women per year increase their income, improve their education and housing, and strengthen their financial status. In addition, it provides women direct links to other services as needed. $750,000 over three years
The Cara Program
Created a seamless program to advance women successfully placed in private sector jobs by The Cara Program. Through the initiative, Cara aimed to provide 107 of its women graduates with two additional years of counseling and support services—with an emphasis on job advancement and education. The organization also offers women linked access to housing, credit cleanup and childcare. $593,000 over three years
Resource Grants
Lawyers Committee for Better Housing
Renewed support for the Lawyers Committee's Homesharing Program, launched by the Eleanor Foundation's initial grant in 2003, that pairs homeowners with working women in homesharing arrangements on Chicago's south side. The grant further sought to help the Lawyers Committee coordinate efforts with homesharing programs on the city's north side, thereby offering more seamless opportunities to women throughout Chicago. $67,147 through December 2007
Community Economic Development Law Project (CEDLP)
Provided continuing support for CEDLP's work with the Choose-to-Own Program, a federal program that helps those with "Housing Choice" vouchers (formerly Section 8) to become first-time homeowners. This award sought to help up to 100 women homebuyers over two years. $80,000 over two years
Planning Grants
Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation & Association House
Supported research, planning and outreach in the West Town, Humboldt Park and Logan Square communities to inform a new program and proposal to the Foundation. This award sought to leverage Bickerdike's access to working women who live in the organization's 1,000 affordable housing units, and Association House's services and Center for Working Families. $6,100 for one year
