Bright Promises Foundation
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Bright Promises partners with community-based social service agencies, providing the necessary expertise, experience, and financial support to implement and expand cutting-edge programs for low-income and at-risk children. We believe it takes an ecosystem of strong, sustainable and impactful community-based organizations working to help kids thrive at home and in school, learn the skills needed to
✨ Introducing Bright Promises Foundation's 2025–2026 Grantee Cohort! ✨
At Bright Promises, we believe meaningful change happens when we invest in people, ideas, and partnerships. We are proud to announce our 2025–2026 Grantee Cohort, a dynamic and inspiring group of organizations bringing expertise, experience, and innovation to advance equity and opportunity for children and youth across Chicagoland.
Rooted in Bright Promises’ three initiative areas, this cohort is leading impactful work in: early childhood learning, youth mental health, and youth leadership development.
Together, we confront critical and overlooked issues, strengthen communities, and create greater opportunities for young people across Illinois. We’re excited to learn alongside this cohort and to amplify what’s possible through collective action. ✨
Please join us in celebrating and welcoming our community of partners:
- A Long Walk Home
- Alliance of the SouthEast
- Alternatives
- Arab American Action Network
- BUILD Inc
- Chicago Commons
- Chicago Freedom School
- Chicago Youth Centers
- Chicago Youth Programs
- Christopher House
- Communities United
- Gads Hill Center
- Girls Inc of Chicago
- Illinois Afterschool Network
- Kuumba Lynx
- New Community Outreach
- Northwest Center
- Onward House
- Palenque LSNA
- Project Vision
- Southside Together
- UCAN
12/09/2025
Welcome to the Bright Promises Board! 🌟
We’re thrilled to announce Eric Wilkerson, Maricar Ramos, and Julia Waggoner as our newest Board members! Together, they bring deep expertise, bold leadership, and a shared commitment to creating a future where every child and family can thrive. 💛
✨ Eric Wilkerson is the Founder of WiCo Strategies, a Chicago-based strategic communications and public affairs firm. He brings decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and civic engagement, helping organizations amplify their impact and advance equity across communities.
✨ Maricar Ramos is a philanthropic and nonprofit leader with experience at the Mayer & Morris Kaplan Family Foundation, YMCA of the USA, and Chicago Public Schools. She is passionate about elevating community voice, advancing racial equity, and strengthening nonprofit capacity to create meaningful change.
✨ Julia Waggoner is a strategic leader at West Monroe, where she drives initiatives in organizational effectiveness, talent development, and inclusive leadership. Julia brings a systems-thinking approach to help mission-driven organizations build capacity and deliver lasting impact.
We are grateful and excited for their vision, experience, and dedication, and we can’t wait to see the impact they will make as part of the Bright Promises Board.
Learn more about our newest board members: brightpromises.org/story/bright-promises-welcomes-three-new-leaders-to-board-of-directors
11/25/2025
Meet Cynthia Townsend, the next SEL Expert in Residence on the Bright Communities Hub! 🌟
With more than 20 years of experience in education and out-of-school time leadership, Cynthia brings a deep commitment to helping children, families, and educators thrive through Social Emotional Learning. As the founder and director of Ideas, Knowledge & Strategies LLC, she supports organizations in strengthening their programs through training, coaching, and best-practice implementation.
Cynthia’s passion for SEL is rooted in her own lived experience. Today, she’s dedicated to ensuring youth receive the support she wished to have—and to empower the adults who guide them.
“Introducing youth to SEL, and equipping them with tools to understand themselves and their relationships, is invaluable.” ✨
Cynthia also champions the importance of family-centered SEL. When families and organizations work together, children receive consistent, compassionate support that strengthens their well-being.
💬 “It takes a village may be a cliché, but its truth remains—strong relationships with families are essential to supporting the youth we serve.”
Follow along for Cynthia’s insights, tools, and resources to strengthen families and communities: brightpromises.org/bright-communities
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Address
C/o Impact House, 200 W. Madison Street , Suite 300
Chicago, IL
60606
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5pm |
