The Eleanor Network |2009 Grants Total $729,000 to Service Organizations in Chicago

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 Awards $729,000 to Local Organizations

2009 Grants Announced

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June 1, 2010

In December of 2009, the Eleanor Foundation announced its investment of an additional $729,000 to expand the Eleanor Network—the citywide system of services we are building to help Chicago's single working women become economically independent. This round of grants focused on launching market-driven programs to prepare women for career-track jobs with livable wages. We also helped successful partners to strengthen existing programs, renewing critical support to help single working female heads-of-households to navigate through these challenging economic times.

New Grants

Chicago Women in Trades
A one-year, $40,000 grant to prepare single working women for the building trades through skills training, apprenticeship placement and mentorship to secure work in the industry.

Restaurant Opportunities Center (ROC)
A one-year, $50,000 job training grant to advance women from "back-of-the-house" to front-of-house hospitality jobs with higher wages.

Youth Job Center of Evanston
A one-year, $42,000 grant to pilot a new career development program for young working mothers interested in the healthcare and manufacturing industries. As Eleanor Network resource grantees, our new partners provide valuable career-education programs and connect women to the network's additional supports around childcare, housing, and financial management.

Renewed Support

Heartland Human Care Services
A $250,000 18-month renewal of our support for the IDEA Initiative, launched in 2006 as an employer-centered hub of the Eleanor Network. The program will diversify its reach through new employer partnerships that support workshops in English, Spanish and Korean.

Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC)
A $55,000 one-year renewal grant for the Women in Manufacturing program launched with our 2008 funding. In addition to skills training for employer-driven jobs, JARC's program helps women apply for public benefits and provides financial coaching.

Lawyers Committee for Better Housing (LCBH)
A $6,000 one-year grant to augment American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds focused on counseling women about housing choices. An existing Eleanor Network member, LCBH will also help Eleanor Women affected by foreclosure.

St. Anthony Hospital
A $36,000 one-year collaborative renewal grant alongside support from the Steans Family Foundation and the St. Anthony Hospital Foundation, to continue the hospital's School at Work (SAW) program that educates and promotes employees into advanced-skilled, higher-paying jobs and address community healthcare needs.

The Cara Program
A $250,000 two-year renewal grant to continue the Cara Program's Self-Sufficiency Initiative, launched in 2006 as a hub of the Eleanor Network to advance women in entry-level jobs. The program's post-employment support will emphasize career advancement planning and asset building.