.png)
.png){kind=small}
about us
​
A CDFI is a Community Development Financial Institution. It's a mission-driven financial organization that can provide grants, loans, investment capital, and financial services to people and communities that are often underserved by traditional banks.
__________
What is a Community Development Financial Institution?
The Arts Institute of Social Change is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunity across Chicago, Illinois. We are laying the foundation to become one of Chicago's most trusted CDFIs by using the power of art, education, and community investment to strengthen neighborhoods and support the futures of individuals and families.
What is the Arts Institute of Social Change?
__________
__________
What does the organization do?
We work to develop programs and initiatives that help generate:
-
Community grants
-
Microloan programs
-
Community partnerships
-
Business development resources and networking opportunities
Are there grants/funds currently available?
We are actively developing future funding programs and partnerships. Members and subscribers will be among the first to learn about grant opportunities as they become available.
how we help
​​​
To close these gaps, we offer cohort-based learning experiences that provide:
​
-
Immediately transferable skills aligned with real-world opportunities
-
Access to capital pathways and financial resources
-
Resource navigation pipelines that connect participants to housing, workforce, and support services
-
Long-term support networks, extending well beyond program completion
__________
our mission
__________
Our mission is to create equitable pathways for youth and adults from diverse backgrounds to thrive socio-economically by leveraging the arts as a catalyst for education, economic empowerment, and access to capital.
our values
__________
A CDFI is a Community Development Financial Institution. It's a mission-driven financial organization that can provide grants, loans, investment capital, and financial services to people and communities that are often underserved by traditional banks.
What is the Arts Institute of Social Change?
The Arts Institute of Social Change is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunity across Chicago, Illinois. We are laying the foundation to become one of Chicago's most trusted CDFIs by using the power of art, education, and community investment to strengthen neighborhoods and support the futures of individuals and families.
What does the organization do?
We work to develop programs and initiatives that help generate:
-
Community grants
-
Microloan programs
-
Community partnerships
-
Business development resources and networking opportunities
More Answers to FAQs
INTEGRITY
We commit to leading with transparency and accountability in our actions and community relationships.
DIVERSE ACCESS TO CAPITAL
We believe that equity begins with inclusion; this includes access to financial, educational, and social capital for under-resourced and/or historically under=represented communities.
HUMAN KINDNESS
We aim to treat every person with compassion, dignity, and empathy through innovative leadership.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
We are committed to serving with our uptmost humility, purpose, and deep responsibiity to the communities we represent.
COLABORATION
We cultivate innovative, meaningful partnerships rooted in mutual respect, shared vision, and collective impact.
FUTURE-FOCUSED SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT
We prepare communities to thrive -- socially, spiritually, and sustainably, for generations to come.
PHILANTHROPY
We believe that access to knowledge, grants, and scholarships is vital for empowering both diverse and under-resourced communities to lead meaningful change.
SOCIAL ADVOCACY
We stand boldly for justice while using our non-profit platforms to challenge inequities in order to drive social change.
TRAUMA-INFORMED LEADERSHIP
We recognize the profound impact trauma can have on individuals and teams. Our leadership approach prioritizes creating safe, supportive environments where individuals feel valued and respected.
our vision
__________
We believe education should lead to ownership, stability, and upward socio-economic mobility, not mere debt. We envision a world where learning translates into economic upward mobility for all partipants.