South Side Giving Circle
Who We Are
The South Side Giving Circle (SSGC) of Chicago Foundation for Women mobilizes philanthropic resources of women and gender non-binary people who have a meaningful connection to Chicago’s South Side and/or the South Suburbs to invest in the economic, social and political power of Black women and girls in those communities of metropolitan Chicago. Since 2018, SSGC has awarded over $385,000 to organizations and Black women who are inspiring change through their leadership with leadership awards.
The 2025–2026 cycle membership deadline is November 30, 2025.
2025 – 2026 Co-Chairs
Dr. Veronica Appleton, Erin Barnett, and Gizelle Clemens
Funding Opportunities
The South Side Giving Circle members have the opportunity to nominate organizations for funding, but organizations may also nominate themselves for members to consider. Please complete this form to share about your organization with the South Side Giving Circle.
Who We Support
FY25 Grantees: $61,000 total awarded
FY25 Leadership Award Recipients:
- Tyler Thompson, 773 Dance Project
- Amber Anderson, Black is Gold
- Barbara Graham, Hey Benji Foundation
- Essence McDowell, Kemtiyu Arts & Media
FY24 Grantees:
- BA NIA, Inc.
- Free Root Operation
- Hey Benji Foundation
- M.E.A.N. Girls Empowerment
- The Dreamcatcher Foundation
FY24 Leadership Awards Recipients:
- Crystal Coates, Connecting Black Women Initiative
- Elizabeth L. Carter, Esq., #BlackCapitalMatters Legal Fund
- Erin Barnett, Black Girls Dance
- Mekazin Alexander, BA NIA, Inc.
FY23 Grantees:
- Hustle Mommies
- M.E.A.N. Girls Empowerment
- SheWill Legacy
- The Village Legal and Community Project
- Free Root Operation
- Gyrls in the HOOD Foundation
- The Dreamcatcher Foundation
FY23 Leadership Awards Recipients:
- Jurema Gorham, Burst Into Books
- Deborah Muhammad, Trinity United Church of Christ Girl Scouts
- Tameka Walton, Restored Hope Chicago
Founding Members
Felicia Davis, Jessyca Dudley, Cristal Gary, Phaedra M. Leslie, Melody M. Miller, Nicole Reed, Nicole Robinson
Contact
For more information, contact Vanessa Lee (Program Officer, Collective Giving) at vlee@cfw.org.