Together
368 people so far.
Here’s who made it happen.
Every number on this page is live. Every logo below is an organization helping us hit it.
368
People in our community
38
Military-connected
23
Volunteers
210
Volunteer hours
Sponsors & Lead Partners
Put real money, people, and places behind the work.
Wells Fargo
Travis Manion Foundation
UIC Student Veterans Affairs
Coalition
Everyone else who showed up.
Said yes to an event, hosted us, lent a space, brought their people, or made an experience happen in year one.
American Legion
Association House of Chicago
Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council
CareForte
Chicago Department of Public Health
Chicago Fire FC
Chicago Public Library
Dreamcatcher Café
Futurama Beauty Academy
Ignite
Kids Above All
NAMI Chicago
PHP Agency
Roble Realty
Squeeze Car Services
Student Government Association
Student Veterans of America
Urban Kayak Chicago
WBL Life Choices
Youth Community Center
Why the first three years
Roughly one in three nonprofits don’t make it to year ten. Most of that attrition happens in the first three.
Early years are where nonprofits actually fail · founder burnout, seed money running dry, no infrastructure yet. The orgs showing up for EDC right now are carrying the Foundation through the window where most organizations like us don’t survive. That’s why they go on this wall permanent.
2025, 2026, 2027 · the founding window. Closes January 2028.
Nonprofit survival stats via National Center for Charitable Statistics and sector reporting on 501(c)(3) dissolution rates.