Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago Announces $8.3 Million Gift from MacKenzie Scott, One of the Largest Gifts Ever in the Organization’s 120-Year History
Donation part of significant $281 million investment in Boys & Girls Clubs around the country
Press Release
CHICAGO (Mar. 17, 2022) – Today, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago (BGCC), a non-profit dedicated to providing a safe and positive environment that fosters healthy attitudes and behaviors for the city's youth, announced a gift of $8.3 million from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This significant support – one of the largest gifts that BGCC has ever received – is part of a collective gift of $281 million to 62 local Boys & Girls Clubs and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
“It is a tremendous honor to accept such an incredibly generous gift,” said Mimi LeClair, President & CEO of BGCC. “On behalf of everyone at Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, we want to express our deep appreciation to MacKenzie Scott for this transformational level of support.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago’s mission is to empower youth to reach their full potential. The organization achieves this by providing 20,000 Chicago area youth, ages 5-18 at more than 20 area Club locations, with the emotional, educational, physical, and cultural resources they need to enjoy childhood and thrive in adulthood.
“This has been such a challenging time for our young people, as they have endured challenge after challenge over the past two years,” Ms. LeClair continued. “As a result, we as adult mentors need to be able to provide them with greater levels of support. Thanks to this gift from MacKenzie Scott, BGCC will be able to build on our vital programming and deepen our support systems for youth across all the communities we serve. It will make an immediate impact on our young people, while helping them to thrive as leaders in their communities for the long term. Ultimately, this gift further enables us to double down on our commitment to reach more youth in more Chicago communities that need and deserve investment and resources.”
Today, young people face an unprecedented number of obstacles to their success and wellbeing. Studies show that a lack of access to technology, positive mentors and guidance, food insecurity and other critical factors can cause long-term setbacks and trauma for millions of young people. Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago is focused on doing whatever it takes to help kids, families and communities close the opportunity gap, ensuring young people have access to experiences and opportunities that change their lives for the better.
To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago and to support kids and teens around the country, please visit bgcc.org.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago
Serving Chicago families since 1902, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago (BGCC) uses a comprehensive blend of mentoring and programming to provide youth ages 5 to 18 the tools they need to become well-rounded and successful adults. Filling the after-school hours, which can be the most dangerous for young people, BGCC offers academic, social, and leadership activities for students in some of Chicago’s most challenged neighborhoods. Youth are matched with professional adult mentors, giving kids a safe place to learn, grow, and succeed. Learn more at: bgcc.org.
Media Contact: Maureen Brennan
(mobile) 773-412-2383