2008 Grants

In 2008, the Foundation awarded $685,950 to the following four organizations:

Hub Grants

YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago
Launched YWCA's Economic Empowerment Institute in the West Garfield neighborhood and helped anchor it in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood. In addition to addressing all four core needs, the Institute offers women counseling for sexual assault survivors, and anti-racism and community leadership training. $350,000 over two years

Resource Grants

Community Economic Development Law Project (CEDLP)
Provided continuing support for CEDLP's First Time Homeownership program, which offers free legal representation to women participating in the Chicago Housing Authority's Choose to Own program. CEDLP helps women avoid subprime loans by applying their "Housing Choice" vouchers to conventional home mortgages. As of December 2008, CEDLP has helped 212 women successfully buy their first homes. Not one of these homes has been foreclosed on. $80,000 over two years

Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC)
Piloted JARC's Women in Manufacturing program to prepare women for high-demand jobs in manufacturing: computer numerical control machining, metal fabricating, and quality assurance. JARC couples its training for women with computer literacy, and access to housing and childcare—as well as financial literacy education, personal financial coaching and public benefits application assistance through its Center for Working Families. $55,950 for one year

Kinzie Industrial Development Corporation (KIDC)
Initiated KIDC's work to train women for emergency medical technicians jobs with ambulance, fire, police and independent rescue squads. KIDC works with its sister organization, the Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago, to offer small business start-up services to women served by other Eleanor Foundation grantees who are interested in other careers. $200,000 over two years