We help young people discover the greatness that already exists within them all.

WELCOME WBEZ Listeners!

Thank you for your interest in the CAFÉ!

We hope you will join us in supporting the incredibly important work of our partners.

Read more about the COVID-19 response from our Community of Grantees »

Latest News

New Pooled Funding Initiative Looks to Boost Black Leaders in Education — Inside Philanthropy
Former McDonald’s CEO seeks $100M to help Black educators
BREWING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS

The CAFE is becoming the living room for social change through these CAFE Conversations.”
Adam Levine, President, Circle of Service Foundation

FEATURED GRANTEE

The Charter School Growth Fund

The Charter School Growth Fund identifies the country’s best charter schools, funds their expansion, and helps to increase their impact. The fund makes multi-year investments into education entrepreneurs in the charter school space.

SEE MORE ON HOW THE CAFE HAS EMPOWERED CSGF

Partners

The CAFE partners with and/or advises organizations to provide financial support and guidance to increase their ability to deliver long-term, impactful programming.

Origins

Cleveland Avenue is where it all began for our founders, Don and Liz Thompson. They grew up on the near north Chicago street of that name, Liz in the Cabrini Green housing complex and Don just four blocks north.

Invest

Make an investment in Chicago’s young people and broaden the reach and influence of The CAFE.

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Please join us in supporting our collective communities during these challenging times.

Each week, The CAFE will highlight the needs of our partners with hopes that you will support their amazing work. We will remain committed to advocating for their missions and for the leaders on the front lines of the social response to the impact of COVID-19.

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