CTJMF pollinators (recurring donors) and staff are busy raising funds to cover the $1.1 million gap in construction funding for the historic memorial that will honor survivors of police torture and the movement that made reparations possible in Chicago. Through grant writing, individual solicitations, and other revenue outlets, we are hustling hard to ensure we break ground in 2026. We have worked with our architectural design team to value engineer the project by $350,000, and continue to partner with city officials and philanthropic funders to close the funding gap. Every dollar we raise gets us closer to our goal. No amount is too small!

To help close the gap, we are seeking individual donors to commit to giving $25,000 in a match challenge from the Joseph and Bessie Feinberg Foundation by the end of 2025. Most of us can’t give $25K, but you can donate to the CTJMF Social Justice Pollinator Hive’s effort to collectively raise a $25,000 match. When donating, be sure to include a note with the name of the Pollinator who solicited your donation.

The annual holiday season is upon us and that means gift giving. Instead of buying gifts from corporate sources, donate in honor or memory of someone this holiday season! Please enter that information into the notes with your contribution as well. For example: “This donation is made in honor of Jessica Parker by Sue Elliott,” or “This donation is made in memory of Joe Smith by Anonymous.”