Who We Are

The Springboard Foundation was founded in 1998 by 10 young professionals who wanted to get personally involved in improving opportunities for students in Chicago. From that first year, in which Springboard distributed $50,000 in grants, Springboard has more than 46 members from the city and suburbs, all of whom share the original founders' belief that our personal involvement in supporting grassroots neighborhood organizations can make a real difference.

Springboard completed a multi-year strategic plan in 2015. We have since implemented many new ideas including our revised mission and new values.

 

OUR MISSION

We improve the lives of youth in under-resourced Chicago communities through the support of grassroots educational afterschool programs and their intrepid leaders with our resources: time, treasure, knowledge, and network.

OUR VALUES

We believe in:

  • The "art and science" of grantmaking
  • Building authentic relationships
  • Taking risks others won't
  • Passionate leaders
  • Being hands-on
  • Small startups
  • Having fun 

Celebrating 20 Years!

Springboard Foundation 20th Anniversary

 

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Breakthrough

Bill Curry received his first Springboard grant for Breakthrough 10 years ago. He had an idea and Springboard believed in him. Here is what Bill had to say about how "the Springboard effect" made an impact: "When our program became a grantee of Springboard, I came with a BIG heart for our kids and our work, but during those 5 years I took several steps towards becoming an organizational leader. A couple years after "graduating" from Springboard, I went back to school to study management at North Park University. I credit Springboard with creating that desire in me. I still have my BIG heart, and I also have a growing strategic mind, and passion for learning from others who care about the work as well." Bill's operational strategies and his knack for reaching out to people, combined with his passion for afterschool programs and his neighborhood, has led to big things. Ten years after receiving their first Springboard grant, Breakthrough Urban Ministries has begun construction on a $16 million, 42,000 square foot facility in the Garfield Park neighborhood. They have received 93% of the funding so far.

Springboard Success Story

Springboard Award Winner Spotlight

Territory NFP

Territory is an afterschool and summer design team program, putting young people to work in their own communities, using urban design to build community identity and re-imagine public spaces across Chicago. Team members learn design skills through activities, and each team completes an urban design, public art or placemaking project working in partnership with their host community, and each project is unique, reflecting the expertise of our team members and the needs of the community.