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: 

FY24 Grantees:

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:

FY23 Leadership Awards Recipients:

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.