Everyday, Burners Without Borders transforms communities through innovative disaster relief programs and community initiatives that make a lasting impact.
Location: Chicago, il - Map It STATUS: Active
In 2012 Burners Without Borders Chicago in conjunction with BURN (Bold Urban Renaissance Network) helped create the Chicago Community Grant Program with the aim to provide funding to grass-roots civic projects that directly affect Chicago citizens.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Our inaugural grant process received 8 applications focusing on various social issues. A panel of judges chose four projects to come and present their ideas at a dinner provided by a local food co-op Edible Alchemy. BURN provided seed money of 500$ for the first grant, BwB purchased the dinner, and a 5$ per head entry fee was charged to each participant to crowd source further funds for the grant. Each group presented for ten minutes, which was followed by a Q&A session. During dinner each participant was given one vote, which was totaled by the end of the night.
‘One Heart, One Soul’ a group focused on providing art resources and classes to homeless teens was chosen- and received a grant of 771$. Burners Without Borders will assist the winning group with media follow-up and volunteers.
This was a landmark program for both BURN & BwB-Chicago reaching out past the borders of their own communities- and bringing art to those who do not have the same privileges many of us are so lucky to have received. The program will continue on a bi-annual basis.