10 Local Non-Profits Supporting Women in Chicago

As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, this week we’re highlighting non-profits doing meaningful work to support women throughout Chicago. Between providing sports-centric programming for young girls to offering professional coaching and mental health services to marginalized groups, there are many organizations that spend the whole year empowering women from different backgrounds and experiences. Here are just some of them.

& Rise

& Rise provides a safe space for trauma and abuse survivors to heal through professional and personal development workshops and weekly support groups. The non-profit connects women to each other, and offers a roster of services to help them become the best version of themselves, including financial education and free counseling.

A Long Walk Home

Based in Chicago, A Long Walk Home is a national art organization focused on ending violence against girls and women. Founded in 2003, the organization works to embolden marginalized voices, facilitate healing, and create social change. A Long Walk Home works with the next generation of leaders who are committed to gender equality and racial justice.

Chicago Foundation for Women

Chicago Foundation for Women supports women and girls lacking economic security and opportunity throughout the city. The non-profit provides programming and advocacy services, and makes investments to uphold equality, champion diversity, and empower women to have control over their minds and bodies.

Chicago Women’s Health Center

Fostering a safe and respectful environment for women and members of the transgender community, Chicago Women’s Health Center offers access to health care and health education. Chicago Women’s Health Center opened its doors in 1975, and now offers more than 6,000 individuals access to health services, including counseling.

Deborah’s Place

Deborah’s Place supports women experiencing homelessness in Chicago by providing safe places for them to heal and grow. Founded by a group of women, the organization began as an overnight shelter in a church basement. Today, Deborah’s Place has two locations for programs and more than 200 units of housing across Chicago. It is the largest provider of permanent supportive housing for women.

Girls in the Game

Girls in the Game uplifts young girls through sports that encourage physical and emotional health. Between virtual events, after school programs, game days, and clinics, Girls in the Game serves communities throughout Chicago with sports activities, leadership development, and health education.

Step Up

Operating with the mission that all girls should have the opportunity to fulfill their potential, Step Up empowers girls and non-binary individuals facing systemic barriers in Chicago. Step Up offers mentorship programs that are focused on confidence building, community engagement, and career exploration.

Woman Made Gallery

A space for women and non-binary artists, Woman Made Gallery welcomes artists from the community and around the world to showcase their works. The organization was founded in 1992, and brings nine exhibitions to its Pilsen location each year, as well as various development workshops and networking events focused on addressing issues related to women. These include panels, artist talks, poetry readings, and other public programs.

Women Employed

Women Employed’s mission is to improve women’s economic status and remove barriers caused by economic inequality. The Chicago-based advocacy organization works with individuals, organizations, employers, educators, and policymakers to address the everyday challenges women face in the workforce.

Women Unite!

A women-operated non-profit in Chicago, Women Unite! provides high-quality consulting services for organizations seeking transformation and growth. The non-profit uplifts women and those who are marginalized, and offers free services such as fundraising and communication, graphic design and marketing, and professional training and development.