Strengthening African American Communities in Metropolitan Chicago
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.
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.

IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF AFRICAN AMERICANS
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.

Advisory Board Members
The Advisory Board is comprised of professionals with a wide range of experience across numerous industries. Board members actively participate in community engagement, donor cultivation and grant making activities.
Baronica Roberson, Chair
Troy Boyd Jr., Vice Chair
Brenda Asare
Daniel Ash
Claudette Baker
Kimbra Bell
Andreason Brown
Inger Burnett-Ziegler
Sharon Bush
Kimberly A. Casey
Tyrone Forman
Denitra Griffin
Suzanne Griffith
Deborah Harrington
Natashia Holmes
Diane Latiker
Sequane Lawrence
Robert McGhee
Suzet McKinney
Nicole Robinson
Darryl Rodgers
Christal Stinson
Andrea Wright
Life Directors
Carol Crenshaw
Amina Dickerson
Rebecca Ford Terry
Denise Gardner
Corliss Garner
Graham Grady
Marguerite Griffin
Loann Honesty King
Julian Coleman
Mary Pattillo
Shawnelle Richie
Melody Spann-Cooper
© Copyright 2016 African American Legacy. Website design, animation and content by Art On The Loose, Inc. Video production by Epilog Media Design Group. Original photography by Lauren Harris, Tommy Inglis and Jason Jones. Additional photos and footage courtesy of Bruce Powell, Jean-Marc Giboux and the African American Legacy grantees.
HEADQUARTERS
Suite 2200
Chicago IL 60601