Here are a few examples of the sectors where philanthropic activities take place and the names of non-profits that work trying to provide solutions for the issues that rise and their corresponding sectors.

1. +
Philanthropic
Activities for all
sorts of Issues
By Yosef Meystel
Image courtesy of Nadar at Flickr.com

2. + Chicago has been a generous city. There is generosity and a
philanthropic nature in the people that live there, and also in the
foundations and corporations that operate in the city. You would
be surprised to know that a great amount of contributions in the
state of Illinois and the city of Chicago come from individuals.
Nationally, this is also true. So individuals are great contributors
to Chicago’s philanthropic tradition.
Non-profits are more than just programs and services. They
provide jobs and contribute to the gross state product. Non-
profits are addressing problems and issues that are so complex
that they require partnerships and collaborations with individuals
and institutions that have resources to tackle particular problems.
The public side of this represents the government at all levels
and elected officials. The private side represents foundations,
corporations, small businesses and individuals.

3. + The real value of philanthropic activity is the impact it has in
quality of life through the contributions of corporations,
organizations and individuals. With these contributions non-
profits are able to impact and address the problems that arise at
any level or sector in the city, from funding research to find cures
for different diseases, to providing health care for vulnerable
populations, to providing education for kids, to providing job
training for those who have lost their jobs or cannot change their
life conditions if they are not trained in competitive job skills.
Philanthropic activities bring together people from different
backgrounds, races, beliefs, ages, incomes, abilities to discuss
matters, come up with solutions and make projects that can help
solve those issues that the city faces. It also empowers a new
generation to have the tools to improve their communities.
Here are a few examples of the sectors where philanthropic
activities take place and the names of non-profits that work trying
to provide solutions for the issues that rise and their
corresponding sectors:

4. + (ENVIRONMENT) Alliance for the Great Lakes
Alliance’s concern is to conserve and restore the Great Lakes
through education, advocacy and citizen engagement. There is a
strong volunteer network of people like teachers, scientist and
businesses involved to advocate and preserve the Great Lakes
for future generations. Some of the issues threatening these
lakes are pollution, invasive species and wasteful water. There
are many ways to get involved in this beautiful project, through
volunteering, adopting, donating and educating. For more
information visit: https://www.greatlakes.org/
(HEALTH) Alzheimer’s Association
Its vision is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease forever. This
national nonprofit strives to help cure this profoundly disabling
disease through the advancement of research. It also provides
care and support for those already affected by Alzheimer and
other types of dementia. For more information visit
http://www.alz.org/

5. + (HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY) Bridge Communities
Bridge communities want to help families that are in a state of
homelessness to achieve self-sufficiency by placing them in a
transitional housing program. With the help of mentors families
are educated and trained in the necessary skills to live
independently. Bridge Communities makes partnerships with
highly skilled individuals, mentors, church members, groups and
businesses to accomplish its mission. If you want to know more
about supporting Bridge Communities and contribute to
homeless families’ restoration, visit
https://www.bridgecommunities.org/

6. + (ANIMAL RESCUE) Paws Chicago
With a clear vision in mind, Paws Chicago intends to reduce
euthanized pets in the city and overpopulation of homeless
animals until Chicago becomes a no kill community. This
organization encourages respect and care for the life of cats and
dogs. It also educates, raises awareness of the necessary
responsible pet ownership and provides solutions to transform
the treatment of pets with the goal of providing animal welfare
through their different programs. If you want to be a part of this
initiative through volunteering, working, donating, adopting,
fostering or providing any other way of support, visit
http://www.pawschicago.org/ for more information.

7. + (CHILDREN PROTECTION) SOS Children’s Villages Illinois
SOS has revolutionized with their distinctive foster care model:
children come to live with their siblings in one of its villages in a
home where they will receive the care of a professionally trained
foster parent. The intent is to provide a setting for children where
they can feel safe and have a sense of community. The process
encouraged in SOS allows children to heal emotionally, physically
and psychologically, and helps them reach their full potential. If
you want to become a foster parent, volunteer or donate for this
amazing non-profit, visit https://www.sosillinois.org/ for more
information.
(CULTURE) Chicago Public Library Foundation
This partnership supports collection development, programs and
technology for the Chicago Public Library users and the
community with the goal of ensuring that all the citizens of
Chicago have free and open access to reading and resources for
education. If you want to support the library collection, programs
and access to resources visit http://www.cplfoundation.org/ for
more information.