CFFI promotes solidarity philanthropy and community-led investment strategies

Theory of Change

To end environmental racism, economic inequalities, and equitably address the climate crisis in Chicago, the Chicago Frontlines Funding Initiative (CFFI) believes that community organizing must be highly valued and holistically supported. A future Chicago that protects the health and well-being of all, requires that Environmental Justice leaders have the resources to be deeply involved in policy and planning decisions that impact their communities. CFFI is a grassroots-led intermediary that prioritizes transparency, multi-year funding, and organizational development resources to grantees. To effectively resource grassroots organizations for long-term impact, we encourage donors and grassroots leaders to build trust and work together in solidarity.

Mission and Vision

CFFI envisions a cohesive and influential Environmental Justice ecosystem in Chicago that features anchor and emerging EJ organizations with the power and resources to collaborate and protect their communities from economic and environmental degradation. We see a time when resources will be equitably allocated so that EJ organizations have the capacities to deeply engage in organizing, policy, civic engagement, and re-investment strategies that lead to healthier communities, economic justice, and address cumulative impacts in frontline communities.

Chicago Frontlines Funding Initiative’s mission is to provide Environmental Justice leaders across the Chicago area with the resources and support they need to build healthy and impactful organizations.

CFFI is guided by frontline Environmental Justice leaders and supported by partners in philanthropy who are committed to ending unjust funding patterns rooted in systemic racism.

Grassroots Advisory Council

Dale Asis, Little Village Environmental Justice Organization

Dana Blanchard, Neighbors for Environmental Justice

Naomi Davis, Blacks in Green

Courtney Hansen, People for Community Recovery

Olga Bautista, Southeast Environmental Taskforce

Myrna Romo, Neighbors for Environmental Justice

 

Donor Working Committee

Tami Cohen, Regeneration Fund

Ryan Strode and Gabriel Jones, The Builders Initiative

Bruce Boyd, Morrison Family Foundation

Aaron Koch, Crown Family Foundation 

Uzma Noormohamed, Illinois Science and Energy Innovation Foundation

Mary Pounder, Comer Family Foundation

Kelly Suzanne Saulsberry, Woods Fund

Kate Barnes, MacArthur Foundation

CFFI Staff

  • Dr. Antonio Lopez

    DIRECTOR

CFFI is a fiscally sponsored project of LVEJO

We are supported by the incredible staff at LVEJO