Advancing Urban Greening Projects in Chicago

Breaking the cycle of environmental injustice in historically underserved communities requires a sustained effort from state, local, and federal governments, philanthropic donors, and grassroots community organizations. And for urban greening initiatives to appropriately serve all community residents, ongoing relationship management among various stakeholders is essential.

To aid the effective implementation of urban greening projects in metropolitan Chicago, including those funded by the Bezos Earth Fund, the Chicago Community Trust, a community foundation dedicated to building opportunity and advancing equity by helping organizations maximize philanthropic impact, will host a Bezos Earth Fund Community Fellow to work on the ground with grantee organizations.

The Community Fellow will serve as a liaison between organizations spearheading urban greening efforts and state, local, and federal government officials. The Fellow will assist the Chicago Community Trust in networking with peer organizations to share best practices for shaping economic justice policy, forging new paths for traditionally underserved Chicago communities.