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The 2021-22 Common Program Application is out! Learn more and apply here.

Our Approach

The Fund improves Chicago's public schools by investing in the talented, innovative leaders who run them. We partner with Chicago Public Schools, the City of Chicago, the local philanthropic community and school leaders to build and sustain a culture of strong leadership.

Why Chicago?

Chicago is one of the best cities in the nation for strong principals. Chicago principals have more control over budget, curriculum and staffing decisions than their peers across Illinois and in other major cities. With The Fund's continued investment in principal leadership, we will increase the number of strong principals in Chicago, while ensuring more students are in a school with a strong leader.

Fund 5
70
%

of Chicago public schools served by Fund investments

550

Average number of students impacted by one Chicago principal

$95M

Invested by The Fund to improve Chicago's public schools

20 Years of Funding

How we make an impact

Our vision is to give all of Chicago's students access to strong, stable school leadership. We improve schools by creating systems that support strong leaders at every stage of their careers and that create pathways to innovation.

Our Impact Grant Portfolio

Invest in Chicago's Principals

Principals have an out-sized impact on their schools and communities. Any amount can make a difference.

Donate Today

Support Our Work

We aim to serve more than 600 principals and 360,000 students by 2023, with an emphasis on the schools that most need support.

Learn More

Celebrate School Leaders

Every October, school communities, city officials and corporate leaders join together to lift up the great work of principals and their APs.

Join The Campaign