Dear Supporters

United Way of Metro Chicago and our partners continue to show up for our neighbors during times of uncertainty. Positive transformation is happening in communities across the region because we’re built for this moment. We have proven time and again that we’re stronger together.

And together, we’re building a stronger Chicago region.

At the end of our 2024/2025 fiscal year, we celebrated the opening of the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation in our Austin Neighborhood Network. More than a decade in the making, the revitalized Emmet Elementary School will bring essential job training, education, and economic development to the West Side. United Way is grateful and honored to walk alongside Austin Coming Together, BMO, and our other generous partners, helping make this vision a reality for Austin residents.

The development of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park will transform the long vacant U.S. Steel South Works site. We’ve been working alongside our South Chicago Neighborhood Network to ensure that our partners have a seat at the table and that the quantum campus supports the community’s vision and drives economic development in the neighborhood.

We are so grateful for our longstanding top corporate partner, BMO, and its new, multi-year commitment to our Neighborhood Network Initiative. Announced last fall, BMO’s $7.5 million gift will support resident-led initiatives building infrastructure and economic development in Auburn Gresham and Little Village.

This past year we also celebrated two years of 211 Metro Chicago, which was recognized with a 2024 Chicago Innovation Award. The 24/7 helpline has made more than 400,000 connections to critical health and social service resources. We have learned a lot about the greatest needs our neighbors are facing—affordable housing, access to food, and utility payment assistance. And we’re continuing to uncover opportunities to use this rich data, expand the service, and develop new partnerships to reach even more people in need.

Thank you for continuing to show up. Thank you for believing in the power of our work together. It matters now, more than ever.

This is YOUR United Way.