African American Legacy (AAL) is a philanthropic initiative led by African American civic and community leaders who share the common goal of improving the quality of life among African Americans throughout metropolitan Chicago. AAL engages African Americans in philanthropy, collectively and individually, and provides support to nonprofit organizations that work at the grassroots level to educate and engage communities, and to provide neighborhood-based services and solutions addressing community problems. Grounded in the philosophies of collective giving, community engagement and grant making, AAL serves as a convener and catalyst, making significant impact through the organizations it supports.

Since its founding in 2003 as an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, AAL has granted more than $2 million to numerous nonprofit organizations with innovative ideas for impact. AAL is driven by its mission and committed to supporting innovation that catalyzes real change in the community, innovation that creates a positive shift toward the sustainability, longevity and prosperity of Chicago’s African American community.

AAL’s current grant making theme is Empowerment for Peace. AAL recognizes that reducing violence requires building our strength from within and coordinating our collective talents, ideas and leadership in order to garner the necessary resources to foster peace. Hence, Empowerment for Peace brings together teams of organizations whose collective efforts get us further than any one organization working alone.

Donations may be made online to AAL, where you can also find information about the grant guidelines. The next application cycle will open in Spring 2019.  Online donations are welcomed by AAL.  Please leave general inquiries on our contact page, where you also can sign up to be notified about our next grant application cycle.

Our Mission

African American Legacy activates an engaged network of community leaders who share the common goal of improving the quality of life of African Americans in Chicago through the power of collective giving, community engagement and grant making.