Steans Economic Opportunity-Policy 3.10.24 - Flipbook - Page 2
BACKGROUND
The Foundation concentrates
its grantmaking and programs
in North Lawndale, a community on Chicago’s west side,
and North Chicago, a city 40
miles north of Chicago, and on
aligned policy and ecosystem
initiatives. By dedicating time,
resources, and skills, the Foundation works in partnership with
local residents and institutions
to build and enhance both communities.
The Foundation’s work supports the idea that effective revitalization can occur within the
existing embedded social and
economic networks that create and sustain communities.
In addition, the Steans Family
Foundation supports policy
efforts that bolster the work on
the ground, speci昀椀cally focused
on Education, Economic Opportunity, Housing, and Communities. The Foundation believes
that with investment, coupled
with a strong policy ecosystem,
communities can thrive.
There are currently 20 employees who are all committed
to moving the values of diversity and equity into action. Staff
work from an of昀椀ce in down-
town Chicago along with workspaces in North Lawndale and
North Chicago. The Foundation granted about $17M in
2023 to community partners in
North Lawndale and North Chicago and to fund policy initiatives. The Foundation is governed by a 6-member Board of
Trustees comprised of family
members. It is co-located with
two other family businesses,
the law 昀椀rm of Massey & Gail
and Financial Investments
Corporation (“FIC”), a private
equity 昀椀rm that also houses the
Steans family of昀椀ce operations.