Letter from the President
Since 1995, the Steans Family Foundation has invested time, money and expertise to help support community leaders, organizations and local residents enhance the North Lawndale community, located on Chicago’s west side.  Our intent was to assist with bringing positive change across the broad range of issues that challenge the neighborhood; not unlike conditions in many historically under-resourced urban communities.  We applaud the many wonderful achievements that are the result of the stakeholders who work tirelessly to foster positive community growth. 

Through a comprehensive process-- examining our focus areas, strategies and effectiveness—we saw progress, but also needed to recognize areas where we did not see intended community benefit.    No doubt, community quality growth is tough work; requiring long-term infusion of resources—human and capital.  Reflecting on what we learned from our more than decade-long philanthropic effort in North Lawndale was an important journey.  In the end, this journey fostered enhanced understanding of the complex nature of effecting change across the multiple issues plaguing community quality.   Thus, we looked at how the Foundation’s investment moving ahead might be focused to achieve greater impact for positive neighborhood improvement.  We believe education is the strongest foundation for personal and community development and thus will be our primary focus moving forward.  Our funding areas will include:

• Early Childhood Development
• School-Based Education
• Parent /Caregiver Advocacy and Leadership

The Foundation will consider support of special opportunities that have strong potential for community growth but may not be directly aligned with the stated core areas.