The Chicago Giving Circle (CGC), a collaborative of 21 families dedicated to creating meaningful, collective impact, is awarding a $300,000 grant to Growing Home, Chicago’s first and only USDA-certified organic urban farm. The three-year investment will help Growing Home expand its innovative approach to combating food insecurity through urban farming, workforce development, and community engagement in the Englewood neighborhood and beyond.
The grant aligns with CGC’s 2025 focus on food insecurity and its commitment to supporting organizations with emerging, scalable models for community change.
“Our members pool their philanthropic resources to make transformative, multi-year contributions to growth-stage nonprofits,” said Julie Hoffmann, Executive Director, Chicago Giving Circle. “Growing Home’s model pairs urban farming with transitional workforce development - creating fresh pathways to stability, empowerment, and healthy, affordable food.”
Founded in 1993, Growing Home grows thousands of pounds of fresh produce each year while providing job training and transitional employment for individuals overcoming barriers to stable work.
With CGC’s support, Growing Home will expand its Food Access, Transitional Workforce Development, and Information Technology programs ensuring more residents of Greater Englewood and surrounding communities have the tools they need to thrive.
“Food insecurity in Englewood isn’t just about access - it’s about dignity, opportunity, and health,” said Janelle St. John, Executive Director, Growing Home. “Families shouldn’t have to choose between putting food on the table and meeting other basic needs. We’re proud to partner with Chicago Giving Circle to create long-term food security and community resilience.”
About The Chicago Giving Circle
The Chicago Giving Circle is a collaborative of families who pool resources to fund innovative, community-driven solutions to the city’s most pressing challenges. Since 2022, CGC has invested $1.4 million in Chicago nonprofits. Each year, members select a focus area and fund organizations demonstrating innovation, growth, and measurable impact. Learn more at www.chicagogivingcircle.com.
About Growing Home
Deeply rooted in Englewood, Growing Home uses urban farming as a platform for job training, healthy food access, and community development. Since its founding, the organization has supported more than 2,000 individuals through employment, wraparound services, and resource center programs—while producing over 42,000 pounds of organic produce annually for Chicago’s underserved communities. Visit www.growinghomeinc.org for more information.