Chicago Lights programming has adapted in response to COVID-19.

Learn more here

Support Us

We do this by empowering people through access to creative youth development and social services that help individual build the skills they need to break the cycle of poverty and lead fulfilling lives.

Corporate Involvement

Volunteer
Create a meaningful team-building environment, deepen your impact with Chicago Lights, and give back to the local community by participating in a corporate volunteer experience.
Workplace Giving
Host a charitable event through our workplace! Chicago Lights is thankful to receive funds raised through jean days, golf tournaments, and other various charitable workplace events.
Volunteer Grants
Employee volunteer grants are part of workplace giving programs created to support volunteerism in communities where employees live and work. Through these “dollars for doers” efforts, companies provide monetary grants to organizations where employees and retirees volunteer on a regular basis.

In-Kind Contributions

Your company’s donation of goods and services has the power to make a lasting impact with the programs of Chicago Lights. No matter the contribution, your expertise and gifts help sustain and grow our impact in the Chicago area.
Event Sponsorship
Host a charitable event through our workplace! Chicago Lights is thankful to receive funds raised through jean days, golf tournaments, and other various charitable workplace events.
Questions about corporate involvement? Contact Associate Director of Development Laura Woods at lwoods@chicagolights.org / 312.981.3564.
Other Ways to Give

United Way

Give back to Chicago Lights through your company’s United Way campaign. You can designate your pledge to Chicago Lights through United Way’s Donor Choice Program. Simply follow the instructions on your pledge form or write in Chicago Lights’ contact information: Chicago Lights, 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL 60611.
Amazon Wish List
Donating items directly from our Amazon wish lists is a great way to give back while knowing that these items are in high-demand and greatly needed for our youth and adults. Items are tax-free and shipped directly to Chicago Lights.
Dance Academy
Social Service Center
Summer Day
Tutoring
Urban Farm
Notes
Due to privacy restrictions, Amazon does not provide customer information. If you purchase items from our Amazon wish lists, please forward your receipt to Associate Director of Development Laura Woods at lwoods@chicagolights.org / 312.981.3564 so we can send you a thank you.
Tribute Gift
Create a lasting, positive legacy by giving a tribute gift dedicated to someone or marking a special occasion. Chicago Lights acknowledges these gifts by sending an appropriate note to the family or honoree. The amount of your gift will not be mentioned, and a separate receipt will be sent to you. During the holiday season, your tribute gifts become part of the Light Up a Life giving program. Contact Associate Director of Development Laura Woods at lwoods@chicagolights.org / 312.981.3564 to learn more.
Stock Transfer
Give with ease through a stock transfer. For stock transfers, contact Director of Development Katy Frey Bever at kbever@chicagolights.org / 312.981.3380
Matching Gift Opportunities
Matching gifts are a great way to double or triple your gift—making an even greater impact. Many companies match employees’, retirees’, and employees’ spouses’ donations. You may submit the form with your gift or any time during the tax year in which your gift was given.
LEARN MORE

In-Kind Donations

Due to COVID-19, we can only accept donations purchased from an online retailer and shipped to Chicago Lights Social Service Center, 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL 60611.

We cannot accept drop-off donations at this time. Please see our current-needs list here. These items are in order of need, with greatest need listed first.

  • Bottled water (any size)
  • Men’s jeans (34-42)
  • Men’s shorts (M-3X)
  • Men’s shoes (11+)
  • Shaving cream (travel-size)
  • T-shirts (M-2X)
  • Sweatpants (M-3X)
  • Women’s shorts (S-2XL)
  • Ponchos
  • Women’s jeans (8-14)
  • Sweatshirts and long-sleeved shirts (M-3X)
  • Women’s shoes (8+)

Due to storage and safety issues, we cannot accept children’s clothing and toys; stained or torn clothing; open, expired, or prepared food; electronics; furniture; and medicine.