August 2, 2017
Voqal is pleased to announce four new grants to organizations working in the Chicago area to enhance the community and strengthen social equity. The grants of $50,000 to ONE Northside, $75,000 to Common Cause Illinois, $50,000 to Young Invincibles, and $75,000 to The People’s Lobby reflect Voqal’s commitment to support progressive movements for social change.
ONE Northside
ONE Northside is a mixed-income, multi-ethnic, intergenerational organization that unites diverse communities. It builds collective power to eliminate injustice through bold and innovative community organizing. Voqal’s support will assist ONE: Northside in its work to organize vulnerable and struggling community members around social justice issues.
Common Cause Illinois
Common Cause Illinois (CCIL) is a nonpartisan watchdog group whose mission is to promote open, ethical and accountable government at the local, state and national levels by educating and mobilizing the people of Illinois. With Voqal’s support, CCIL will work to pass and monitor the implementation of Automatic Voter Registration and work to win Fair Elections in Chicago, Cook County and the state of Illinois
Young Invincibles
Young Invincibles represents the interests of 18- to 34-year-olds and makes sure their perspective is heard wherever decisions about their collective future are being made. With support from Voqal, Young Invincibles will increase young adult enthusiasm for the upcoming midterm elections by getting candidates to address young adults’ top economic concerns. In addition, Young Invincibles will deepen student engagement through the launch of the Student Power Coalition and student-led advocacy on state higher education policy. It will also work with the NextGen Coalition to put young adults at the forefront of the midterm elections.
The People’s Lobby
The People’s Lobby is a membership-based organization that trains leaders to build bases in communities, organizes support for progressive legislation and endorses candidates. The People’s Lobby takes direct action to pressure elected officials and other powerful people to put the interests of people and the planet first. Thanks to Voqal’s support, The People’s Lobby will expand its work to more rural and suburban geographies in Illinois to be a more effective partner to allies throughout the state.
Learn more about the Voqal Fund and its grantees here.