2012 Update, New Funding Focus and Staff 

After a successful four year cycle on Healthy Children, we are transitioning into funding the new 2012 focus on Promoting Resilience in Children Experiencing or exposed to Trauma.  Click here for more information.

We are excited to share more exciting growth within the organization.  The foundation is pleased to welcome Dr. Kathy W. Dames as director of development.  “Kathy brings a diverse background and extensive knowledge of fundraising for non-profits and program development to the foundation.  Her efforts will play an important role in growing our giving program so that we gain the capacity to fund the work of more organizations,” shares Executive Director, Iris Krieg.  “The foundation works to truly impact communities with lasting solutions that can change a child’s life.”  I am delighted to be a part of such an extraordinary mission,” adds Dames. Click here to read more.

 


 

Our Programs

We currently have three important programs, carefully crafted to ensure every dollar donated makes an impact and a lasting difference in the lives of children in Illinois.

FOCUSED FUNDING 

Bright Promises identifies the most pressing unmet needs of disadvantaged children in Illinois; calling for individuals, foundations, agencies, legislators, parents and the media to join us in supporting these needs; soliciting grant applications and making grants that support these needs; attracting volunteers and funds to our organization; and recognizing important role models with awards.

Our “focus” is the need we will tackle. The focus for 2008-2012 has been promoting better health among low-income and other at-risk children between the ages of 8-12. Begining in 2012, we are introducing a new grant program with the focus of promoting resilience in children who have experienced trauma.  We revisit our focus every four years to ensure relevancy.

AWARDS

Awards are given annually to honor individuals who make a difference in the lives of children.  Two awards, named after past Directors, are given for a lifetime of achievement on behalf of vulnerable children and for up-and-coming leaders for professional development.

EQUIP

EQUIP, Early Childhood Quality Improvement Program is a collabration of five Chicago-area funders.  EQUIP makes grants for up to two years to early childhood  education centers to help them make improvements that will directly and positively affect low-incom children between the ages of birth to five.  EQUIP is administered by Bright Promises and includes the Leo S. Guthman Fund, Prince Charitable Trusts, Pritzker Early Childhood Foundation and an anonymous foundation. Click here for the 2012 guidelines and here to download an application form.

There are numerous factors which contribute to the rise in unhealthy lifestyles affecting Illinois children, particularly in low-income communities, including: parental influence and lack of education, unhealthy school-prepared lunches/snacks, vending machines in schools, limited time for recess and physical fitness, poor access to supermarkets and readily available fast food/junk food.

In recognition of these risk factors and in its attempt to make the most impact in improving the health of children in Illinois, the Bright Promises Foundation has focused its funding on high-quality organizations with comprehensive plans to “attack” the risk factors.  Healthy Children/Healthy Adults grant-recipient organizations address the issue through fun and varied activities to engage children and their families.