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
