The Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance to Invest $1M in Chicago-Based Organizations Supporting Boys and Young Men of Color This Summer

April 25, 2023 at 8:00 AM CDT

Organizations committed to the safety and security of boys and young men are encouraged to apply for $30,000 grants

CHICAGO – Today, the  My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, a program of the Obama Foundation, opened applications for our $1 million  Freedom Summer 2023 grant program. The Freedom Summer grant program aims to support local organizations that are working to reduce violence in Chicago communities this summer by creating and expanding spaces and programming where boys and young men of color can safely learn, play, and engage. According to a report by the  University of Chicago’s Crime Lab (Opens in a new tab), in Chicago, there are about twice as many shootings on days over 85 degrees as there are on days under 50 degrees.

“Building on the success of last year’s program, we are proud of and remain committed to supporting the vital work being done on the ground in Chicago to create safe and engaging spaces for youth,” said Dr. Adren Wilson, MBK Alliance Executive Director. “The MBK Alliance stands ready to support our neighbors throughout the City of Chicago and we look forward to investing in and partnering with organizations to provide the greatest impact for our youth.”

“Supporting and creating opportunities for young people is at the core of everything we do,” said Obama Foundation CEO Valerie Jarrett. “That work begins at home in Chicago and in the communities surrounding the Obama Presidential Center. The MBK Alliance’s Freedom Summer 2023 grant program is demonstrating our commitment to lifting up community-led organizations that are working day in and day out to create brighter futures for our youth. Our boys and young men of color deserve to grow up safe and with access to opportunity.”

Beginning today, April 25, 2023, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations can apply for a $30,000  Freedom Summer grant. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and grants will be approved each week until all funding is in the hands of those committed to creating safe and engaging spaces for youth. Chicago-based non-profit organizations that are committed to turning the tide of youth violence are encouraged to apply.

The work of the MBK Alliance is rooted in  six key life milestones that research shows are especially predictive of later success, and where interventions can have the greatest impact. The Freedom Summer grant program is anchored to the MBK Alliance’s sixth milestone: all youth should remain safe from violent crime. Last year’s Freedom Summer initiative allocated $1 million to fifty-one organizations nationwide, including twenty in the City of Chicago.

To learn more and to apply visit:  obama.org/my-brothers-keeper-alliance/news/freedom-summer-2023/

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