Lohengrin Foundation Names Two Awardees of
Thriving Youth, Stronger Communities Initiative
In neighborhoods across Chicago, community leaders have long-envisioned spaces where young people can gather safely, explore their interests, and build strong futures close to home. Turning those visions into brick-and-mortar reality requires early investment, technical partnership, and a deep commitment to community voice.
In 2024, the Lohengrin Foundation launched Thriving Youth, Stronger Communities, an early-stage capital initiative to help bring to life a new youth and community center in Chicago. The initiative was grounded in youth-focused research, neighborhood quality-of-life plans, and engagement with community leaders, young people, and technical experts.
Originally, the Foundation anticipated selecting one organization to receive up to $15 million in milestone-based early-stage capital support.
But after a rigorous, community-informed process, one truth became undeniable: two projects rose to a level of vision, readiness, and community alignment that warranted investment.
On February 25, 2026, the Foundation proudly announced two awardees who will share the $15 million award:
- Lawndale Christian Development Corporation (LCDC) — $10 million
- Erie Neighborhood House — $5 million
Together, these investments represent a powerful commitment to youth and families across North Lawndale and Little Village.
The Projects
Lawndale Christian Development Corporation (One Lawndale Recreation Center)
The One Lawndale Recreation Center is a visionary 120,000-square-foot, year-round recreational complex designed to expand opportunity for youth and families in North Lawndale and Little Village.
The center will feature multi-sport facilities, community gathering spaces, and partner-led programming that promote health, mentorship, and skill development. One Lawndale represents a long-term investment in belonging, leadership, and opportunity. It will serve as a vibrant hub where young people can build confidence, strengthen relationships, and envision bright futures.
Lawndale Christian Development Corporation was awarded $10 million from the Lohengrin Foundation, towards its $38 million project budget.
To learn more about the project or to support their broader capital campaign, visit www.lcdc.net/capital-campaign.
Erie Neighborhood House (Floreciendo: La Villita Erie House Center)
Floreciendo: La Villita Erie House Center will bring a 22,000-square-foot, five-story, culturally-affirming community hub to the heart of Little Village.
Designed to serve more than 7,000 residents annually, the center will provide intergenerational services and youth programming rooted in culture, connection, and opportunity. The project builds on Erie House’s longstanding commitment to immigrant and working families and reflects a deep understanding of community strengths and aspirations.
Erie Neighborhood House was awarded $5 million from the Lohengrin Foundation, towards its $21 million project budget.
To learn more about the project or to support their broader capital campaign, visit www.eriehouse.org/enh-capital-campaign.
A Community-Driven Process
From an initial pool of 73 submissions, seven semi-finalists were selected based on leadership, feasibility, and alignment with neighborhood priorities.
Throughout the process, the Foundation partnered with a Community Advisory Council that provided thoughtful review, strategic guidance, and tailored technical assistance to applicants. This structure strengthened early-stage planning across proposals and ensured that community voice and local expertise shaped every decision.
We are also deeply grateful to our Community Champion Partners, whose engagement, insights, and on-the-ground leadership elevated the process and reinforced a shared commitment to youth-centered investment.
Their collective wisdom made this initiative stronger and made the selection process and announcement possible.
Looking Ahead
The $15 million in capital support will be distributed across pre-development through completion, helping both projects move from vision to reality.
The Lohengrin Foundation hopes this decision sends a clear message: when communities bring forward bold, well-grounded ideas for young people, philanthropy should step forward to support them.
Big ideas require collaboration. Transformational spaces require persistence. And young people thrive in environments designed with care, dignity, and ambition.
Together with our partners, we are building spaces worthy of Chicago’s young people, now, and for generations to come.
Learn more about this Initiative
Thriving Youth, Stronger Communities was shaped by extensive input, youth-focused research, and a multi-stage review process. Learn more about the initiative’s background and process.