Funding News

Since the Equalizer's fall issue and through some of the most adverse economic circumstances for nonprofits in recent history, several funders have stepped up to show their continuing support of Equip for Equality's work.

The Training Institute on Disability Rights received its third year of funding from the Fry Foundation ($25,000) helping match a three-year challenge grant from The Chicago Community Trust. Earlier in 2003, the Polk Bros. Foundation provided a two-year match of $70,000 that continues until the winter of 2005.

"These first three years of infrastructural support for the Institute have been vital to getting the program fully operational," says Barry Taylor, Legal Advocacy Director. "Seed money from these three funders has impacted literally tens of thousands of individuals over the last three years."

The Field Foundation of Illinois, which previously funded such Equip for Equality projects as the Guardianship Reform Project, granted $15,000 this Spring to the Latinos with Disabilities Advocacy Project, joining the Illinois Bar Foundation, which provided $1,500. The Latino Project currently brings free legal advocacy and training services to five community centers in major Latino neighborhoods throughout the Chicago area.

For the second year in a row, the Chicago Tribune Charities Holiday Fund provided $15,000 to the Training Institute to help sustain free education seminars on employment rights, reaching over 2,300 participants annually. Seminars are for people with disabilities seeking equity in the workplace, fair employment opportunities, and an understanding of their Social Security benefits related to employment.

"Tribune Charities is to be commended for recognizing that to break down barriers to employment, people need to understand their legal rights and responsibilities under the ADA," says Zena Naiditch, President and CEO of Equip for Equality.

Both the Alphawood Foundation ($7,500) and the Chicago Bar Foundation ($2,500), provided general operating grants to Equip for Equality. Along with the Chicago Community Trust, these foundations have maintained the three longest funding relationships with Equip for Equality.

Equip for Equality met its $5,000 matching funds challenge from the Circle of Service Foundation, money that will purchase assistive devices and services for staff and clients who are deaf or hard of hearing.

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