Thriving Youth, Stronger Communities – Initiative Overview
Chicago’s young people bring enormous talent, imagination, and possibilities to our city. Yet too many still lack consistent access to safe, supportive spaces where they can build connection, confidence and opportunity. To help strengthen the environments where youth grow and thrive, the Lohengrin Foundation launched Thriving Youth, Stronger Communities (TYSC) in 2024. This early-stage capital initiative was created to support the development of a new youth and community center in Chicago.
TYSC was guided by youth-focused research and data from community quality-of-life plans. It was also shaped through deep engagement with community leaders, young people, and technical experts. Together, these insights reflect the Foundation’s commitment to investing in Chicago’s future. Over the past year, the Foundation partnered with a Community Advisory Council, which reviewed submissions and advised the Board on the semi-finalist projects. All applicant teams that advanced through the process also received tailored technical assistance from Technical Assistance Advisors to strengthen early planning and project design. This structure strengthened early-stage planning for all groups and ensured that community voices and local expertise stayed central at every step.
From an initial pool of 73 submissions, the Foundation identified seven semi-finalist partners:
- Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council – Prosper Center
- Community Education Network – BronzeWell
- Erie Neighborhood House – Floreciendo: La Villita Erie House Center
- Lawndale Christian Development Corporation – One Lawndale Recreation Center
- Marillac St. Vincent – Calhoun Community Hub
- Phalanx Family Services – GJS Youth Community Center
- Think B.L.U.E. Foundation – Blue Azul Center
Their proposals demonstrate strong leadership, alignment with neighborhood priorities, and a shared belief in what is possible when communities design spaces young people deserve. They each presented a compelling vision for a youth and community center that can support young people for generations to come.
The Foundation continued its due diligence process with the three finalists to assess readiness, feasibility, and long-term sustainability:
- Community Education Network – BronzeWell
- Erie Neighborhood House – Floreciendo: La Villita Erie House Center
- Lawndale Christian Development Corporation – One Lawndale Recreation Center
The Lohengrin Foundation hopes this initiative encourages other funders to join in supporting community-driven projects across Chicago. Big ideas become real through collaboration, persistence, and shared purpose. Together, we can help ensure young people have access to the spaces they need to connect, belong, and thrive.
Deepening Impact by Amplifying Philanthropic Resources
Thriving Youth, Stronger Communities was originally designed to support the development of a single youth and community center. Understanding the unique opportunity for community bridge building and to have an even deeper impact, the Lohengrin Foundation strategically adapted its investment approach by partnering with other peer foundation partners, including the Steans Family Foundation, to activate and leverage additional philanthropic funds to collectively support two awardees with their capital projects.
The Foundation extends deep gratitude to the Community Champion Partners and Community Advisory Council members, whose leadership and guidance made TYSC possible. Their time, insight, and care helped strengthen this process, support applicant teams, and keep youth voice and neighborhood priorities at the center at every stage.
TYSC reflects what’s possible when young people and communities lead the way in shaping the spaces they deserve.
