Woods Fund of Chicago facts for kids

The Woods Fund of Chicago is a special group in Chicago that helps people and communities who need more chances to succeed. Their main goal is to make sure everyone in the Chicago area has a fair shot, including being able to help make decisions that affect their lives.

The Woods family first started a foundation called the Woods Charitable Fund in Nebraska in 1941. It was founded by Frank Henry Woods Sr., Nelle Cochrane Woods, and their three sons. For many years, this fund helped people in both Lincoln, Nebraska, and Chicago.

In 1993, the Woods Charitable Fund was split into two separate groups. The Woods Fund of Chicago was officially started in Illinois on November 15, 1993. It began its work on January 1, 1994, focusing only on helping people in Chicago. The money for the foundation came from different family businesses, including a telephone company, a coal company, and a business machine company.

In 2004, the Woods Fund of Chicago was one of the largest foundations in Illinois, with assets worth over $67 million.

What the Woods Fund Does

The Woods Fund of Chicago gives money to other non-profit groups. These groups work to help people in the Chicago area. The fund wants to:

• Help people get involved in their communities.
• Deal with the reasons why people might be struggling.
• Encourage better public policies that help everyone.
• Reduce unfair treatment and make sure everyone has equal chances.
• Build a stronger sense of community where people work together.

How the Fund Helps

The Woods Fund gives out millions of dollars in grants each year. For example, in 2006, they gave $3.1 million to more than 70 local organizations. At that time, the fund had about $58 million in assets. This money helps many different projects and groups in Chicago make a positive difference.

People Who Led the Woods Fund

Many important people have helped lead the Woods Fund of Chicago over the years. They guide the foundation's work and make decisions about where the money goes.

Presidents of the Woods Fund of Chicago

The President is like the main leader of the foundation. Here are some of the people who have been President:

• George Kelm (1994–1996)
• Jean Rudd (1997–2000)
• Ricardo A. Millett (2001–2005)
• Deborah Harrington (2006–2009)
• Laura S. Washington (2010- )

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is a group of people who help make big decisions for the fund. They make sure the fund stays true to its mission.

One famous person who served on the board was Barack Obama. He was a director from 1994 to 2002. At that time, he was also a lawyer and a teacher at the University of Chicago Law School. Later, he became an Illinois State Senator before becoming President of the United States.

Other important people who have served on the board include:

• Charles N. Wheatley
• William C. Ayers
• Laura S. Washington
• Jesus G. Garcia
• Doris Salomón Chagin
• Lee Bey
• Beth E. Richie
• Patrick M. Sheahan

Board Chairs

The Board Chair leads the Board of Directors. Here are some of the people who have been Board Chair:

• Charles N. Wheatley (1997)
• Barack Obama (1998)
• Howard J. Stanback (1999–2002)
• Maria G. Valdez (2003–2004)
• William C. Ayers (2005–2006)
• Laura S. Washington (2007–2009)
• Jesus G. Garcia (2010- )