The Eleanor Network | Self-Sufficiency Initiative Continues with $995,000 in 2007 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 Continues Self-Sufficiency Initiative
with $995,000 in Grants

2007 Grant Round Complete

Share |

September 1, 2007

Through the second round of the three-year Self-Sufficiency Initiative awards, the Eleanor Foundation made five grants totaling nearly $995,000 to seven organizations:

Hub Grants

Christian Community Health Center
  Established the Eleanor Scholars program for women working at this Roseland community-based institution. CCHC staff work with women to develop career and education plans, collaborate with Heartland Human Care Services—an Eleanor Foundation grantee partner since 2006—to deliver asset building workshops and counseling, and facilitate access to rental subsidies. $133,200 over three years.

Housing Opportunities for Women (HOW) 
Launched the Center for Working Women, a stand-alone storefront in the Rogers Park community that offers women individualized support, with an emphasis on skills training for career-track jobs. HOW also provides women financial coaching, access to childcare, and housing options through its landlord network and rental subsidies. $260,000 over 18 months.

Instituto del Progreso Latino | Mujeres Latinas en Acción | The Resurrection Project
Brought together three organizations that launched the Mujer Avanzando (Advancing Woman) initiative in Pilsen and Little Village. The partnership integrates each partner's core services to provide women career-path planning, education, and skills training in healthcare and manufacturing; leadership development training; childcare services; and wealth creation and asset development. $498,500 over three years.

Resource Grants

Lawyers' Committee for Better Housing
Continued support for the Homesharing Program that Eleanor Foundation launched with its initial 2003 award. The program carefully pairs homeowners, mostly seniors, and working women in homesharing arrangements on Chicago's south and north sides. The Lawyers Committee stays in touch with homesharing clients with follow-up and help resolving disputes if needed. $30,000 for one year.

St. Anthony Hospital
A co-funded project with the Steans Family Foundation and St. Anthony Foundation, launched St. Anthony Hospital's workforce development program for women in its entry-level jobs. To promote from within, the Hospital provides women an eight-month on-site remedial healthcare training that feeds into further training for higher-level jobs. It also provides women individualized mentoring, and tuition reimbursements and referrals to advanced healthcare education. $72,346 over 16 months.