On Thursday, January 29th from 5-7pm, we’re co-hosting “Reboot Your Network for a Better World,” a networking reception organized by The Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility at Loyola University Chicago. While not an official EDA event, interested members can join to network with other Chicagoans interested in community and civic engagement.

On Monday, February 9th from 6-8pm, join us for our third signature event of the year at Impact House (200 W Madison, third floor). All Emerging Donor Alliance founding members are invited to a member mixer and workshop on our grantmaking practices for our inaugural year. Giving circles will meet in groups to discuss giving priorities and community engagement. Dinner and drinks will be available for all guests.

We partnered with My Block, My Hood, My City to support their MLK Jr. Day volunteering event, delivering groceries, resource guides, and gift cards to community members and senior centers across Lawndale. Members also met up beforehand at Monday Coffee Co.

We partnered with Compass Pro Bono for a Zoom session on skills-based volunteering and how to use your expertise to support local nonprofits.

Members kicked off 2026 with a happy hour and volunteering event at Solemn Oath Brewery Still Life in Logan Square! Together, we made 100+ sandwiches in support of Inspiration Corporation, a highly effective local nonprofit that provides social services, job training, housing, and food to Chicagoans in need.

We were honored to be joined by Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run for Something and author of When We're in Charge: The Next Generation’s Guide to Leadership for a virtual book club on next-gen leadership! We encourage members to buy the book via Bookshop or at your local book store!

Members gathered at Impact House for our second signature event of the year! We had dinner from local restaurant Jarabe Taqueria, and members learned more about the work of nonprofit leaders Jason Coleman at Project SYNCERE, Erica Patrick at Southside Blooms, and Sharmili Majmudar at Women Employed. The panel was moderated by Michael Liptrot at Block Club Chicago.

Volunteers joined us at Goose Island Taproom to pack sandwiches and healthy snacks for Chicagoans facing food insecurity. Over 20+ members joined us, and we delivered meals to Sarah’s Circle and to the Hermosa Love Fridge.

Our first year of programming launched in October 2025 and will run through June 2026! Supporters came together at Bronzeville Winery to share food and drinks, and learn more about community engagement from Carlos Ramirez-Rosa of the Chicago Parks District, Dorri McWhorter of the Executives’ Club of Chicago, and Dan Tollefson of The Chicago Community Trust.