Give Hope Today
Donate to Hope Chicago and invest in a more equitable and prosperous future for our city. Your contribution will help expand debt-free higher education access for multiple generations of South and West Side families.
Hope Chicago is a registered 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt organization.
Ways to Give
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Click here to easily and safely donate online!
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Checks can be made out to “Hope Chicago” and mailed to:
Hope Chicago
Attn: Development
303 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 360
Chicago, IL 60601 -
Hope Builders are passionate and determined monthly supporters of Hope Chicago's mission to ensure two generations of Chicago families have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. Learn more here.
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Satisfy your required minimum distribution while helping those in need.
Download and complete our rollover gift initiation form. then send the completed form to your IRA trustee, who will complete your distribution.
What is a qualified charitable distribution?
A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) is a distribution of funds from your IRA (other than a SEP or SIMPLE IRA) directly to Hope Chicago. Because the gift goes directly to us without passing through your hands, the dollar amount of the gift may be excluded from your taxable income up to a set maximum annually, with some exceptions. Please consult your tax advisor for information regarding your specific exceptions.
To learn more about QCDs, please visit IRS.gov »
Who can make a qualified charitable distribution?
QCDs can be made by IRA owners who are age 70 1/2 or older. QCDs made prior to the age you are required to take a minimum distribution from your retirement assets (pre-Required Minimum Distribution QCDs) will not reduce or otherwise impact future Required Minimum Distribution. Your tax advisor can provide additional information on your particular situation.
Many individuals who are required to take money from their IRA but do not need it for living expenses have chosen to make QCDs from their IRAs to support the work of Hope Chicago.
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Gifts of publicly traded securities that have appreciated in value allow you to avoid capital gains taxes while also receiving a tax deduction for your gift.* Hope Chicago benefits by selling the stock without paying taxes on the gain, and you benefit from making a contribution that would be larger than what you might have been able to donate in cash.
Click here to download a fillable PDF with instructions you can provide to your advisor.
*Hope Chicago is a 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions are deductible as allowed by law. Please speak with your financial adviser about the deductibility of your gift.
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Some larger employers allow pre-tax payroll deductions as donations to Hope Chicago. Check with your payroll department to see if they offer this option!
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Direct a gift through your account at Chicago Community Trust, Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard, or another philanthropic advisor. Contact your financial advisor to begin.
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To make a contribution to Hope Chicago via wire transfer, please click here to easily send a pre-filled email requesting the instructions be sent to you.
For more information, please contact our Development Team at (312) 477-3697
FAQs
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The Hope Chicago fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30. The fiscal year differs from the standard calendar year, and recognition of giving is based on our defined fiscal year.
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Click here to send an email requesting a change in monthly amount or to request cancellation. If your credit card has or will expire, we will reach out to you for an update.
To start a recurring gift, click here.
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You’re always welcome to give the Hope Chicago team a call at (312) 477-3697 or by emailing givehope@hopechicago.org. Your email will be routed to the best person to respond.
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Any update to any personal information provided to Hope Chicago can be updated over the phone, at (312) 477-3697 or via email, at givehope@hopechicago.org. Thanks for helping us keep our data updated!
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A tribute gift is a way to recognize an individual by dedicating a gift to Hope Chicago in their name.
Donate in Honor of Someone Special
Make a gift in honor of someone close to you by listing them as the Honoree when you make a gift to Hope Chicago. A tribute card can be emailed to your Honoree, or other recipients, in recognition of your generous gift.
Donate in Memory of a Loved One
Cherish the memory of a loved one by giving a gift in their memory. This is a wonderful way to recognize the important impact someone has had on your life by donating to the Hope Chicago. A tribute e-card can be sent to the Honoree’s family, or other loved ones, to show your sympathy and support, letting them know their loved one is being remembered.
Create a Tribute Fundraising Page
Set up your own fundraising page to encourage others to mark a milestone with you. Make a page to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, wedding, graduation, or other special occasion; or create a page in memoriam to someone who has passed and celebrate their life by encouraging a gift to the Hope Chicago in lieu of flowers.
How Your Honoree is Notified
When a tribute gift is made, donors have the option to notify a family member, friend, or other loved one by sending an e-card.
“Donating to Hope Chicago is a great way to support a stronger and more equitable Chicago. Every donation makes a direct, tangible difference for students and families.”
-Abby R.
Hope Builders are passionate and determined monthly supporters of Hope Chicago's mission to ensure two generations of Chicago families have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.
Join people like you, giving what they can to prove how powerful we are when the whole city is behind our scholars.
Help Hope Chicago do things like offer emergency funding for students throughout the year. Whether it’s a medical crisis, housing instability, or any other unexpected, essential life expenses, Hope Chicago steps in to provide financial assistance.
This commitment to our Scholars ensures that they can stay firmly on their postsecondary path, undeterred by obstacles that may come their way.
Benefits:
Hope Chicago Mini Swag Bag
Help Hope Chicago do things like purchase textbooks for students throughout the school year. Hope Chicago knows that college comes with many hidden expenses, including pricey textbooks.
Your generous donation ensures that our scholars have access to these vital resources, empowering them with the tools they need to excel in their academic pursuits.
Benefits:
Annual Investor Briefing
Hope Chicago Mini Swag Bag
Help Hope Chicago do things like provide laptops for students that will last them throughout their college experience and beyond. Hope Chicago's commitment guarantees that all our Scholars are equipped with the essential technology required to excel academically, ensuring that the path to success remains open and accessible.
Your monthly gift enables students to thrive in their educational pursuits and future careers.
Benefits:
Annual Investor Briefing
Recognition in Annual Report
Hope Chicago Swag Bag
Double Your Donation
“I donate to Hope Chicago because I firmly believe talent is everywhere but opportunity isn’t, by supporting this organization, I know that we are enabling education and connections that will benefit our students and our city.”