Excellerator Fund

A community-driven grantmaking initiative that promotes equitable social and economic recovery in Chicago's Black and Mexican communities.

Program Details:

• Duration: 5-year initiative
• Joint Venture: Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation and Latinos Progresando
• Funding Goal: $10 million over five years
• Current Status: $4 million secured and invested in 86 organizations as of 2026
• Geographic Scope: Chicago's Black and Mexican communities, specifically Auburn Gresham and Little Village neighborhoods

Key Focus Areas:

• Support for Black and Mexican-led organizations
• Community-based leadership development
• Cross-community collaboration and unity
• Social and economic equity
• Nonprofit sustainability

Eligibility:

• Black and Mexican-led organizations
• Note: 75% of current grantees have budgets under $500,000

Program Components:

• Grant making
• Convenings (for continuous learning, relationship building, and feedback gathering)
• Capacity building

Partners: Healthy Communities Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, Polk Bros. Foundation, Crown Family Philanthropies, Discover, Shine Bright Community Center, and Builders Initiative

Contact Information:

• Contact: Yerendi Cintron
• Email: excelleratorfund@gagdc.org
• Website: www.excelleratorfund.org
• Additional Contact: Haya Muhammad, Program Manager, Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation

Background Context: The initiative was launched to address the significant philanthropic funding gaps affecting Black and Latino communities in Chicago (Black communities receive >2% of philanthropic investments; Latino communities receive ~1%; assets in Black & Latino organizations are 76% less than White-led organizations).

Application Process

Grant Cycles: Two grant cycles per year

• Spring cycle
• Fall cycle

How to Apply:

1. Contact Yerendi Cintron or email excelleratorfund@gagdc.org to express interest
2. Organizations will receive information about the current grant cycle deadlines and requirements
3. Additional information and detailed application instructions available at www.excelleratorfund.org

Note: Specific application materials, narrative questions, and submission formats are not detailed on this page; applicants should contact the program directly or visit the Excellerator Fund website for complete application requirements.