Get inspired by the incredible work of Chicago-based nonprofits making a real difference. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, donate, or simply learn more, this guide highlights the organizations driving meaningful change across the city.
Farm2Veteran
Farm2Veteran is a mission-driven organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity among veterans, who are nearly twice as likely to lack access to nutritious meals as the general population. Located on a thriving farm with livestock, a greenhouse, and a garden, Farm2Veteran produces better-than-organic food through the Fulcrum Farm Foundation, donating 100% of its harvest to veterans in need via 501(c)(3) charities. By focusing on veterans’ physical needs first, the organization lays the foundation for them to pursue psychological and aspirational well-being. Through ethically farmed, high-quality meals, Farm2Veteran creates meaningful mealtime experiences that foster connection, hope, and healing, empowering America’s heroes to rebuild their strength and fulfillment. Supported entirely by donations, Farm2Veteran invites individuals to join its mission to serve those who have served. To further amplify its impact, Farm2Veteran will host its inaugural Farm Fresh Hope Gala this fall at the Field Museum, blending community, compassion, and entertainment to benefit veterans nationwide.
Let It Be Us
Let It Be Us is an Illinois-based nonprofit dedicated to providing innovative solutions for foster care and adoption in Illinois. With thousands of children entering the system annually and the state ranking low in permanency, Let It Be Us addresses urgent needs by recruiting and supporting foster and adoptive families through free educational events and personalized coaching. The organization works to ensure children are placed in homes that match their cultural, language, and emotional needs, prioritizing the right match the first time. Let It Be Us also connects licensed foster homes across agencies to increase placement opportunities. Proudly recognized by the Human Rights Campaign’s All Children All Families program, the organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, serving and supporting children and foster and adoptive families of all backgrounds.
Chicago Scots
Founded as the Illinois Saint Andrew Society in 1845, when Chicago was a small frontier town, population 12,000, the Chicago Scots is the first and longest running charitable organization in Illinois. In addition to preserving and strengthening the enduring bonds of friendship between Scotland and North America by hosting events that educate, entertain, and promote Scottish culture, the Chicago Scots support one of the finest senior living and memory care campuses in greater Chicagoland – Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care in North Riverside, IL. Authentically rooted in Scottish traditions, values and community, purposeful and proactive in approach, the Chicago Scots are consistently on the cutting-edge of care for the residents of Caledonia Senior Living, where there was not a single resident COVID fatality during the pandemic. Mark your calendars on September 23rd for a celebration of heritage and sport at Chicago Scots’ 24th Annual Kilted Classic Golf Tournament!
Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care
Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care provides personalized care to seniors throughout Chicagoland and is the principal charity of the Chicago Scots, one of the world’s largest Scottish cultural organizations. Chicago Scots and Caledonia Senior Living welcome everyone who is Scottish by birth, by heritage or simply by inclination. Whether far from home, or no longer able to live at home on your own, Caledonia Senior Living and Chicago Scots nourish the bonds to community and care that provides a true sense of home, in addition to offering a range of outstanding services including Assisted Living, Sheltered Care, Memory Care, Intermediate and Skilled Nursing Care, and Respite Care. Don’t miss it! Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care proudly presents the 109th Annual Scottish Home Picnic, a joyful celebration of family and community, happening on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 11 AM to 3 PM.
Benjamin Marshall Society
Founded in 2002 by Jane and Didier Lepauw, The Benjamin Marshall Society is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization established upon the discovery of the Harry Beach Clow estate, located on the cusp of Lake Bluff and Lake Forest. This estate, designed by the renowned architect Benjamin Marshall, sparked a deeper exploration into Marshall’s extensive portfolio, which includes iconic projects such as the Drake Hotel and the South Shore Cultural Center. The Benjamin Marshall Society was created to educate the public about Benjamin Marshall’s life, works, and legacy, and to rekindle the conversation about the importance of architecture in shaping civic and urban environments. As a nonprofit, the Society serves the community by offering public programs, exhibitions, and resources that celebrate Marshall’s work throughout Chicago. Its nonprofit status enables it to engage in advocacy, preservation, and educational outreach that highlight the importance of architecture in civic life and urban history
Roseland Community Hospital
The Little Hospital That Could. For 100 years, Roseland Community Hospital has been delivering extensive healthcare services to the communities on Chicago’s far south side. Since its establishment in 1924, Roseland Community Hospital has been dedicated to offering top-notch healthcare to the residents of Roseland and nearby areas. Despite numerous social, economic, and political shifts impacting these neighborhoods, the Hospital has consistently upheld its mission. Save the date for the Annual Back to School Health Fair on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 12 PM to 3 PM at the Roseland Community Hospital Parking Lot. Come out for free school supplies, health services, entertainment, and more fun for the whole family!
