The Eleanor Network | Eleanor Foundation 2008 Self-Sufficiency Grants Total $685,950

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.

Third Round of Self-Sufficiency Grants Complete

Eleanor Foundation Caps Self-Sufficiency Initiative with $685,950 in 2008

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December 10, 2008

In 2008, the Foundation awarded $685,950 to the following four organizations, completing it's three-year self-sufficiency initiative.

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.