The Eleanor Network | Self-Sufficiency Initiative Launches with $1.5 Million in Grants

A network of resources to support economic self-sufficiency

2011 Grant Round

During 2011 and 2012, the Eleanor Foundation will continue its grant-making program to expand The Eleanor Network in Chicago.

We are now seeking grant applications from organizations that will partner with us to create programs that promote sustained economic self-sufficiency for single working female heads-of-households who earn between $10,000 and $40,000.

Our 2011 grants will focus on programs that offer practical, skills-based job training and access to jobs that pay living wages. We will also continue to support programs that provide wrap-around services that help them succeed.

Interested organizations can apply as Hub Partners that operate as single-points-of-access to integrated services, or as Resource Partners that offer specialized services, especially employer-driven skills training. Learn more.

Eleanor Foundation Launches Self-Sufficiency Initiative

Awards $1.5 Million in Grants to Organizations Committed to Promoting Economic Self-Sufficiency for Women

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September 1, 2006

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 and 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.