COVID-19
RESPONSE FUND

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Bright Promises Commitment to Anti-Racism & Social Justice

For 150 years, it has been our mission to create opportunities for every young person to reach their full promise and potential. This cannot be achieved when systemic injustice, inequity, disinvestment and racism deny opportunity and endanger children of color at every turn.‍

We acknowledge the grief and anger felt by everyone across our nation right now, especially in black and brown communities who are most hurt by inequity and the failures of our institutions to serve and protect all of us. We stand with those who are continuing to fight racism and seek social justice. 

In this historic moment, Bright Promises Foundation remains more committed than ever to building the more just and equitable society that our children deserve, where BIPOC children have the chance to not just survive, but to thrive. Through our partnerships with leading child-serving organizations, we pledge to continue to drive significant change by staying true to our vision for a stronger, safer Chicago where all children flourish.

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About the Bright Promises COVID-19 Response Fund

It is critical that the most vulnerable children and families in our communities continue to receive our support during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The Bright Promises COVID-19 Response Fund is a targeted, fast-action fund established to ensure children’s needs are met during the COVID-19 outbreak by getting funds to the neediest families as soon as possible.  Your donation supports low-income children and their families who continue to be most seriously impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

We have identified four areas of urgent need where your gift can make a significant impact right now:

• Domestic abuse and child abuse services
• Food and shelter for homeless children and families
• Telehealth and mental health services for children
• Childcare for first responders and essential workers

As each of us takes steps to protect our own families, colleagues, and neighbors, let’s remember the low-income children and families who are disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus. COVID-19 places these families under increased stress and puts children at significantly increased risk.  Hundreds of thousands of children and babies from low-income families in Metropolitan Chicago continue to face severe risks of hunger, homelessness, and other dangers. We must act now to combat the immediate and long-term educational, economic, and health effects that low-income and their families are facing.
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‍Please join us in supporting low-income children and their families across Metropolitan Chicago. We hope that you will consider a donation to ensure Chicago children and families receive the help they need during these uncertain and complex times.

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How to Give

To Give Online:

To give online, click the button above or visit www.brightpromises.org/support; select “COVID-19 Response Fund” from the dropdown menu.

To Give by Mail:

To donate by check, please note “COVID-19 Response Fund” on the check and make checks payable to Bright Promises Foundation. Please mail by US Postal Service to Bright Promises Foundation |  70 East Lake Street, Suite 1120 I Chicago, IL 60601.

Questions?

•  General questions & inquiries about the Bright Promises COVID-19 Response Fund can be directed to info@brightpromises.org.
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•  For interested donors, please contact Bright Promises Foundation Director of Development Katherine Korey at katherine.dreher@brightpromises.org.  
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• To make a donation by stock, wire transfer or other assets, please also contact Bright Promises Foundation Director of Development Katherine Korey at katherine.dreher@brightpromises.org or 312-550-2775.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will my donation support?

Your donation helps support the immediate needs of low-income children and families most impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak while also ensuring the nonprofit infrastructure necessary for the recovery effort remains strong, including mental health services, child abuse prevention, and trauma-informed care.

A first-round of immediate response grants have already been made in the following areas: Domestic abuse/child abuse services, food and shelter for homeless families, telehealth and mental health services for children, and childcare for first responders and essential workers.

Will all of the money donated go to the community?

Yes. Other than a small credit card processing fee, 100% of all donations will go directly to support services and supplies for those in need.

What organizations will receive funds?

Bright Promises Foundation is distributing funds to current and past program partners with a proven track record or responding to the urgent, unmet needs of Chicago children and families. Bright Promises Foundation partners with many agencies serving the most vulnerable families, especially in this time of crisis. Because of these partnerships, we are positioned to allocate funds immediately to organizations serving homeless families, domestic violence and sexual abuse victims, refugees, and other under-served communities. A list of funded organizations will be published as soon as possible. Please check back for updates.

How does my organization apply to the Fund?

There is currently not an open application process for the Bright Promises COVID-19 Response Fund. If you are a current or past grantee of Bright Promises Foundation and you are interested in applying to the Fund, please contact Senior Program Officer Lauren Krieg at lauren.krieg@brightpromises.org. Please also continue to check back here for updates

Can I give from my existing donor advised fund?

Yes. Please recommend a grant through your donor advised fund sponsor to Bright Promises Foundation, with the stated purpose Bright Promises COVID-19 Response Fund and indicate who it is from.

As a public foundation, Bright Promises Foundation also has the ability to serve as a home for joint funds and donor advised funds to support issues of the donor's choice related to the COVID-19 response effort. If you are interested in contributing to a joint fund through a family or private foundation, or establishing your own child-focused COVID relief fund, Bright Promises will manage the administration of the fund, ensuring resources are reaching organizations as quickly as possible. Foundations or individuals interested in partnering with Bright Promises through a joint fund or through the establishment of an donor advised fund should contact Bright Promises Director or Development Katherine Korey at katherine.dreher@brightpromises.org or call 312-550-2775.

What are the most current updates regarding the impacts of COVID-19 in Chicago?

Please visit the City of Chicago Department of Public Health website and the Center for Disease Control website for the most up-to-date information.

COVID-19 Resources for Families

The following resources were created by Bright Promises program partners to support children and families during the COVID-19 crisis.

• ‍Illinois Action for Children
  News, information, resources, and forms for essential workers and childcare providers, as well as policy and advocacy updates.
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• ‍VOCEL
  Daily posts on social media recommending low-prep, engaging, at-home play activities that promote child development for children ages 0-5 and self-care for parents. In the coming weeks, this page will expand to include a YouTube channel and online resource hub. Available in English and Spanish.
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• ‍Chicago Children's Advocacy Center
  Prevention tips for reducing the risk for child sexual abuse in a household during this time of shared spaces, increased anxiety due to an unknown future, and reduced options for childcare.
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• Illinois Afterschool Network
  Resources for talking with children about the COVID-19 event.

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