About
Place-based. People-led.
The Steans Family Foundation is a place-based family foundation that invests in education, economic opportunity, and community safety and wellbeing in the Chicago neighborhood of North Lawndale and the city of North Chicago. By concentrating our investment in specific communities, we can maximize their impact on people’s lives. The Foundation also supports policy efforts to build a strong ecosystem and positively impact local communities.
What is place-based philanthropy?
Place-based philanthropy refers to a foundation’s commitment to a particular geographic region or community. The model can do more than provide support for programs or initiatives within a geographic boundary; it can direct support, coordinate local partners, and leverage other social and financial assets to address complex issues that affect the whole community.
Our History
It started with a promise to a group of sixth graders.
In 1986, Harrison and Lois Steans and their three daughters — Jennifer, Heather, and Robin — committed to support a class of students from Chicago’s Lathrop Homes through college with the I Have a Dream Foundation. That experience showed the family what was possible when you showed up for a community and stayed committed to an outcome.
In 1996, SFF brought that same commitment to North Lawndale, beginning a place-based partnership with residents and community leaders that continues today. In 2016, the Foundation extended its work to the community of North Chicago. In 2018, SFF added a policy arm to connect what’s working on the ground to the larger systems that either help or get in the way.
Since 1986, the approach hasn't changed: engage deeply, stay for the long haul, and trust the people closest to the work.
Meet our Founder
Harrison Steans left a legacy of generosity, high expectations, and an unshakable belief in community.
“We should always aspire to more
than we can accomplish.”
Milestones
1986
Steans Family Supports Lathrop Homes 6th Grade I Have a Dream Class
The program is built around long-term personal involvement with students as they make their way through school.
1987
Steans Family Foundation is Formed
Harrison Steans, along with his wife, Lois, and daughters Jennifer, Heather, and Robin, create the Foundation.
1996
Partnership with North Lawndale Begins
The Foundation announces it will focus its place-based development efforts in this west side community.
2016
Partnership with North Chicago Begins
The Foundation establishes North Chicago as a focus of its place-based strategy.
2018
Foundation Launches Policy Efforts
The Foundation launches its policy arm to advocate for policies that benefit communities.
2021
Foundation Expands Economic Opportunity Efforts
With increased resources, the Foundation expands housing, workforce development, business attraction and development, and wealth-building initiatives in North Lawndale.
2024
2024 New Strategic Plan Adopted
The Foundation adopts new 10-year strategic plan with a continued commitment to North Lawndale, North Chicago, and Policy efforts.
Our North Star
We envision North Lawndale and North Chicago as vibrant, thriving, and equitable communities where residents, especially the communities’ Black and Latinx residents, lead healthy and prosperous lives.
Our Mission
The Steans Family Foundation works closely with community partners to launch, resource, and/or amplify initiatives in North Lawndale and North Chicago that directly support residents to achieve strong educational and economic outcomes; strengthen the built infrastructure that individuals need to live, work, and play; and change policies and systems to create the conditions for healthy, vibrant communities.