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. They work to make sure everyone in the Chicago area has a fair shot, especially when it comes to making decisions that affect their lives.

The Woods Charitable Fund was first started in Nebraska in 1941 by a family named Woods: Frank Henry Woods Sr. and Nelle Cochrane Woods, along with their three sons. For many years, this fund helped people in both Lincoln, Nebraska, and Chicago.

Then, in 1993, the Woods Charitable Fund split into two separate groups. The Woods Fund of Chicago was officially started in Illinois on November 15, 1993. From January 1, 1994, it took over helping people in Chicago, using about 70% of the original fund's money. The other part, the Woods Charitable Fund, continued its work in Lincoln.

The money for the foundation came from different businesses. These included a telephone company in Nebraska, a coal company in Chicago with mines in Southern Illinois, and a company in Cleveland, Ohio, that made office machines. By 2004, the Woods Fund of Chicago was one of the largest foundations in Illinois, with over $67 million to help others.

What the Woods Fund Does

The Woods Fund of Chicago gives money to groups that are working to make things better. Their main goal is to help people who are less fortunate and to improve communities in the Chicago area. They want everyone to have a chance to speak up and help shape decisions that affect them.

The fund works with non-profit organizations. These groups help people get involved in their communities, deal with problems like poverty, and create better public rules. They also work to reduce unfairness, like racism, and help people from different backgrounds find common ground.

How the Fund Helps

The Woods Fund of Chicago gives out millions of dollars in grants every year. For example, in 2006, they gave about $3.1 million to more than 70 local organizations. At that time, the fund had about $58 million in total money to use for its work. This shows they are a big supporter of positive change in Chicago.

Leaders of the Woods Fund

Many important people have helped lead the Woods Fund over the years. They guide the foundation in its mission to help communities.

Woods Charitable Fund Leaders

• Presidents:
  • Frank Henry Woods Sr. (1941–1952)
  • Thomas Cochrane Woods Jr. (1952–1958)
  • Henry Cochrane Woods Sr. (1958–1968)
  • Thomas Cochrane Woods Jr. (1968–1989)
  • Lucia Woods Lindley (1990–1993)
  • Thomas Cochrane Woods, III (1993–2000)
  • Thomas D. Potter (2001–2002)
  • Stephen S. Sands (2003–2004)
  • Michael J. Tavlin (2005–2006)
  • Donna Wiemann Woods (2007– )
• Executive Director: Jean Rudd (1980–1993), Pam Baker (1994– )

Woods Fund of Chicago Leaders

• Presidents:
  • George Kelm (1994–1996)
  • Jean Rudd (1997–2000)
  • Ricardo A. Millett (2001–2005)
  • Deborah Harrington (2006–2009)
  • Laura S. Washington (2010- )
• Executive Director: Jean Rudd (1980–1996)

Important Board Members

The Board of Directors helps make big decisions for the fund. Some notable people have served on the board:

• Barack Obama was a director from 1994 to 2002. Before becoming President of the United States, he was a lawyer and a teacher at the University of Chicago Law School. He also served as an Illinois State Senator.
• Other directors have included community leaders, legal experts, and professors who are dedicated to improving Chicago.

Board Chairs and Vice Chairs

The Board Chair leads the meetings and guides the board's work.

• Board Chairs:
  • 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- )
• Board Vice Chairs:
  • Barack Obama (1997)
  • Howard J. Stanback (1998)
  • Maria G. Valdez (1999–2002)
  • William C. Ayers (2003–2004)
  • Laura S. Washington (2005–2006)
  • Jesus G. Garcia (2007–2009)
  • Doris Solomon (2010- )