Our Approach

We fund grass-roots not-for-profit organizations that otherwise would have difficulty obtaining financial support.  Our primary area of focus is after-school and supplemental education programs.  Since our inception in 1998, we have helped numerous programs grow and became self-sustaining, so that they can continue to provide inner city children with educational and out-of-school activities that are so critical to personal growth and success.

In addition to contributing their own funds, Springboard members commit many hours each year to the job of identifying high-quality neighborhood programs, and maintaining contact with these organizations as they grow with Springboard’s assistance.  Springboard provides a way for outside donors to contribute, with confidence that their money is being well spent where it is most needed.  Thanks to a partnership with The Chicago Community Trust, Springboard is able to commit virtually all of the money we raise directly to our grantee organizations, where it can do the most good.  Our goal is that, with Springboard’s assistance, these organizations will eventually become stable and self-sustaining, and reach the point where Springboard’s involvement is no longer necessary.  With each success we achieve in this way we move on to support a new organization, bringing the same philosophy.