Chicago Tribune Photo * Brian Cassella
FUTURES CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Growing Our Reach and Impact
There are over 12,000 unaccompanied, unstably housed youth in Chicago, but together, we can change that.
Progress to Date | The Start
Our supporters are changemakers and philanthropic leaders from the for-profit and nonprofit communities that understand the importance of investing in sustainability and guaranteeing the best interests of stakeholders - youth, community members, and neighborhoods that directly and indirectly benefit from Ignite’s programs.
To date, we have secured $900,000 of pledges and cash on our way to our goal of $3MM. Ignite intends to raise the remaining campaign by December 31st 2027.
Please consider joining us in this worthwhile endeavor so we can continue to offer innovative services that prevent and end homelessness, and enrich the lives of our youth and the neighborhoods in which they live.
In FY2025, Ignite enrolled 831 young people throughout its programs.
Our Approach | Multiple Benefits
Create opportunities and means for financial security and stability that invite growth.
Raise private funding and use investment-generated income to deepen programs and further growth and learning.
Bring back more than $160,000 of savings each year to Ignite by eliminating the current mortgage on Belfort House (Ignite’s transitional housing building).
Ignite is home to the many youth we empower. Our commitment is to help realize a future for this generation and the future generations to come in which they thrive, contribute to their communities, and achieve ongoing success
Our Futures Campaign Vision
Ignite sets forth to raise $3 million dollars to build a sustainable model of funding that supports:
A sound infrastructure to support growth and serve more youth and ensure lasting results.
Additional operating reserve funds to withstand changing economic times and to ensure funds are available to manage organizational assets.
The payoff/purchase of Belfort House, our 28 bed home for youth as young as 14 who are experiencing homelessness.
Equipped with 50 years of serving youth facing homelessness, Ignite has advanced forward in impact, programming, and reach. Through our strategic plan, we have been able to:
Deliver a model that meets all youth where they are and stays with them until they move into long-term stable housing by growing housing opportunities by 90%.
Establish services in all areas of Chicago where unaccompanied youth are experiencing homelessness by expanding outreach, engagement, and housing opportunities to the west side of Chicago.
Build organizational capacity to support innovation, recognition and build sustainable impact by investing in data, technology, and human resources supports.
As Ignite evolves each year, to serve more communities throughout Chicago, and addresses the growing needs of Chicago’s youth as they gain financial sustainability, guaranteeing our future presence is essential. Ignite seeks ongoing financial freedom and flexibility to further empower Ignite’s clients and team.
What This Means: Options for a Secure & Bright Future
Ignite sees the intersection of homelessness and economic instability and looks to disrupt this cycle, helping youth create a future in which they thrive. We provide a continuum of care that pairs safe, stable housing with intensive and transformative education, employment, and mental health support. Through this model, Ignite helps young people bridge the opportunity gap, transforming individual resilience into collective strength. When youth have access to housing, education, career planning, employment, and belonging, they not only stabilize their own lives but begin to restore the health and vitality of entire communities.
For more information on how to get involved, please contact Stephanie Piccirilli at stephaniep@ignitepromise.org or follow the link below to sign up for more information.