McDonald’s Chicago Community Impact Grants - (Fostering Communities: Pathways to Empowerment )

McDonald’s Chicago Community Impact Grants aim to empower youth aged 16-24 by enhancing workforce readiness and addressing food insecurity. With an investment of $8.5 million since 2022, the program supports local organizations that demonstrate impactful community service. The initiative focuses on holistic approaches, including apprenticeships, training, and mentorship, ensuring young people have access to essential skills and resources. By fostering communities, McDonald’s reaffirms its commitment to creating pathways for empowerment and opportunity.

Our Commitment to Chicago
Headquartered in Chicago, McDonald’s believes in the power of thriving communities—because when people flourish, so does McDonalds. That’s why we embrace our responsibility to uplift and support the communities we serve. Through charitable and in-kind contributions, community engagement, and volunteer initiatives, McDonald’s delivers critical resources to strengthen local programs and build resilient communities.
Since the launch of the Chicago Community Impact Grants Program in 2022 in partnership with the Chicago Community Trust, McDonald’s has invested $8.5 million in support of local organizations, positively impacting tens of thousands of young people across Chicago.
McDonald’s Chicago Community Impact Grants Program
At McDonald’s, we believe one of the most powerful ways to uplift communities is by empowering young people to realize their full potential. We’re proud to relaunch the Chicago Community Impact Grants, reaffirming our commitment to youth empowerment across the city.

• Enhance workforce readiness by removing barriers to opportunity and;
• Address food insecurity through expanded access to food and education

This initiative will provide project-based funding to Chicago-based organizations serving young people, with a focus on the following priority areas: Fostering Communities: Pathways to Empowerment; and Feeding Futures: Food Access and Insecurity.
As one of the world’s largest employers, McDonald’s recognizes that the journey to success is unique for every individual. Through these grants, McDonald’s is committed to helping communities thrive by supporting programs that take a holistic approach to reducing barriers and unlocking pathways to empowerment and opportunity for youth ages 16–24.
These grants will fund direct services and initiatives focused on workforce readiness and development. This includes:

• Apprenticeships that provide hands-on experience
• Pre- and post-employment training to build essential skills
• Career exposure opportunities that equip young people with the skills and experience needed to succeed

Applicants may include funding requests for holistic support services that directly enhance their core workforce programming. These may include:

• Transportation and mobility assistance
• Financial literacy education
• Mentorship and coaching
• These services help remove barriers and support access to opportunity.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Have a proven track record of demonstrating impact in the communities they serve

Applicants will be evaluated on: ​ Program alignment with:Fostering Communities: Pathways to EmpowermentSustainability of the program, project, or organization, including financial stability and long-term viability