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Airbnb announces $500,000 in donations to boost Chicago neighborhoods

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Key Takeaways

  • Airbnb’s largest-ever donations to the Chicago community include funding for the Chicago Urban League; the Latino Policy Forum; The Alliance 98; My Block, My Hood, My City; and The Network.
  • The $500,000 investment will help fund the housing advocacy focused programing of the Chicago Urban League and the Latino Policy Forum. My Block, My Hood, My City, and The Alliance 98 will receive funding to support their community engagement and youth-focused work, and The Network will receive funding to aid survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.
  • Airbnb announced the funding during a community conversation called “Rooted in Chicago: A Conversation about Community, Empowerment, and Entrepreneurship” that convened civic leaders, small business advocates, The Obama Foundation, and Airbnb hosts to explore how Chicagoans can build wealth, strengthen their neighborhoods, and expand access for visitors.

Key Takeaways

  • Airbnb’s largest-ever donations to the Chicago community include funding for the Chicago Urban League; the Latino Policy Forum; The Alliance 98; My Block, My Hood, My City; and The Network.
  • The $500,000 investment will help fund the housing advocacy focused programing of the Chicago Urban League and the Latino Policy Forum. My Block, My Hood, My City, and The Alliance 98 will receive funding to support their community engagement and youth-focused work, and The Network will receive funding to aid survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.
  • Airbnb announced the funding during a community conversation called “Rooted in Chicago: A Conversation about Community, Empowerment, and Entrepreneurship” that convened civic leaders, small business advocates, The Obama Foundation, and Airbnb hosts to explore how Chicagoans can build wealth, strengthen their neighborhoods, and expand access for visitors.

Airbnb today announced a $500,000 investment to be distributed across five Chicago-based organizations, each working to expand access to affordable housing, homeownership, and entrepreneurship while strengthening neighborhoods across the city. This is our largest donation to Chicago-based organizations to date. The donations will go to the Chicago Urban League; the Latino Policy Forum; My Block, My Hood, My City; The Alliance 98; and The Network – and were announced at a panel discussion, “Rooted in Chicago: A Conversation about Community, Empowerment and Entrepreneurship.”

“Chicago’s neighborhoods and people make it the unique place that it is. Each of the city’s 77 neighborhoods is filled with something special – from the local shops and restaurants, to world-famous attractions that draw visitors from across the globe, and the residents that work tirelessly for themselves and their families. Airbnb is proud to invest in Chicago by supporting the work of organizations that provide opportunities for more Chicagoans to benefit from everything the city has to offer.”

Airbnb Director of Community Partner Programs and Engagement Janaye Ingram

“We are excited about our expanded partnership with Airbnb. This collaboration allows us to support and grow opportunities for Black homeownership as well as provide a model for Black entrepreneurship. Our work with Airbnb is wholly consistent with our mission to support wealth creation for the community.”

Chicago Urban League President and CEO Karen Freeman-Wilson

“Through advocacy and analysis, the Latino Policy Forum works to strengthen community leadership and catalyze policy change in education, immigration, and housing to build a foundation for equity, justice, and economic prosperity for the Latino community in Illinois. We appreciate Airbnb’s support to deliver on our mission of addressing the systemic barriers to good quality housing because a safe and stable home is essential to creating a fair, dignified, and equitable future for everyone in our state.”

Latino Policy Forum President and CEO Linda Xóchtl Tortolero

The panel conversations brought together civic leaders, small business advocates, as well as Airbnb hosts and The Obama Foundation to spotlight how Chicago communities can maximize the benefits of major events, expand investment in local priorities, and ensure that the benefits of tourism reach every corner of the city.

The donation to some of Chicago’s leading community organizations will fund programs that help residents seize new economic opportunities tied to the city’s vibrant cultural events and institutions as well as its tourism economy, while supporting Chicago families and small businesses on key issues their communities face.

“Chicago’s neighborhoods are full of brilliance, resilience, and hope, you just have to take the time to see it. Through my Live77 journey, living in all 77 Chicago community areas for 30 days at a time, I’m seeing that every neighborhood already has the people and potential needed to thrive. Airbnb’s $500,000 commitment to local organizations is an investment in that potential, helping community leaders strengthen connections, create opportunity, and build belonging across our city.”

My Block, My Hood, My City Founder and CEO Jahmal Cole

“Airbnb’s contribution allows TA98 to deepen our investment in social and economic development. These funds directly support our staff and the infrastructure that powers our workforce, mentorship, and entrepreneurship programs, ensuring we can continue leading cross-sector initiatives that open doors for young adults and create lasting change in our communities.”

The Alliance 98 Founder and CEO David Rojas Jr.

“We are deeply grateful to Airbnb for their commitment to advancing safety and stability for survivors. This donation reflects a shared dedication to creating meaningful change and ensuring that survivors have access to the resources they need to rebuild their lives.”

The Network President and CEO Amanda Pyron
Read more about: Partnerships

About Chicago Urban League
Established in 1916, the Chicago Urban League works to foster economic empowerment, cultivate leadership, and dismantle systemic barriers in the effort to drive lasting equity and prosperity for Black Chicago. We help people find jobs and establish careers, become homeowners, enhance their educational experiences, strengthen their leadership skills, and grow their businesses. As one of the oldest and largest affiliates of the National Urban League, we promote strong, sustainable communities through advocacy, innovation, and collaborative community, corporate and civic relationships.

About Latino Policy Forum
The Latino Policy Forum is the only organization in the Chicago area that facilitates the involvement of Latinos at all levels of public decision-making. The Forum conducts analysis to inform, influence and lead. Its goals are to improve education outcomes, advocate for affordable housing, promote just immigration policies, and engage diverse sectors of the community, with an understanding that advancing Latinos advances a shared future.

About The Alliance 98
The Alliance 98 (TA98) is a Chicago-based social enterprise nonprofit advancing social and economic development by tackling youth unemployment and underemployment. The organization empowers young adults ages 16–24 with the skills, experiences, and networks to access meaningful, sustainable careers. TA98 invests in emerging talent as a catalyst for community and economic growth, connecting young adults with corporations, brands, and organizations to build inclusive pathways toward work, wellness, and wealth creation. Through workforce development, mentorship, media production, and entrepreneurship, TA98 cultivates leaders driving impact locally and globally.

About My Block, My Hood, My City
My Block, My Hood, My City is dedicated to providing youth and communities with opportunities for exploration, education, and service—fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their neighborhoods. Through engagement, resources, and hands-on support, the organization empowers residents to build stronger, more connected communities across Chicago.

About The Network
The Network is a group of 45 member organizations dedicated to improving the lives of those impacted by gender-based violence through education, public policy and advocacy, and connecting community members with direct service providers. The Network also acts as the administrator of the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline.

About Airbnb 

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