CPS Compassion Fund provides direct support for Students and Families in crisis
CPS’ support for our students and families extends beyond the classroom, particularly in times of crisis.
This remains a difficult time for our school communities––especially families who rely on Chicago Public Schools for more than an education. The same students who were at the greatest risk for experiencing the impacts of inequity before the pandemic - including students of color, students from limited-income backgrounds, English Learners, and Diverse Learners, and more - were the most profoundly impacted by this historic crisis. The need continues and the opportunity to make an impact is great.
We’ve heard from school leaders how vital the Compassion Fund’s flexible relief has been during challenging times, and how there's a critical, ongoing need for their school communities. Families still need assistance providing for basic needs, and schools still need extra support in their classrooms. It’s become more clear than ever that students’ academic and personal growth is at stake. Your generosity, and that of many others, allows us to continue meeting these urgent needs as they arise for CPS families and school communities.
The Compassion Fund continues to provide critical support to students and families facing adverse circumstances, and to promote a safe, supportive, and equitable learning environment. This includes:
- Direct financial relief for families facing extreme hardship, including job loss, death of a parent or caregiver, families facing homelessness due to fires and other crises, and more.
- School resources including culturally relevant books, school supplies, classroom updates and calm corners, social emotional learning supplies, transit cards, and more
- Creating and stocking Hygiene Care Closets to support student wellness, meeting both physical and social emotional needs.
- Support for graduating seniors to ease the post-secondary transition––including funds to address barriers on their path to college such as deposits, textbooks, travel, etc. Read about recent recipients of postsecondary support on CFF’s blog.
- Providing resources and whole-child support for newcomer students – such as newly-arrived migrant students – and others in temporary living situations.
- Support for school communities impacted by neighborhood or household violence
About Children First Fund
Children First Fund (CFF), the Chicago Public Schools Foundation, is the philanthropic and partnership arm of Chicago Public Schools (CPS). It serves as a knowledge hub and liaison between CPS and its community of partners, securing and organizing resources that advance CPS’ mission to provide a high-quality public education that prepares every child in every neighborhood for success in college, career, and civic life. For more information, please visit https://www.childrenfirstfund.org or find us on social @ChiFirstFund.
For gifts contributed through the Network For Good giving platform, CFF takes a 50% reduced operational charge (only 3%). This compensates for NFG platform fees and ensures that as many resources as possible will directly reach students and schools.