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Celebrating 40 years of impact Investing in self help

Support BUFI helping people help themselves. The Black United Fund of Illinois. Based in Chicago serving black and urban comm

Play our video with sound. Hear our message.

(773) 324-0494

Celebrating 40 years of impact Investing in self help

Support BUFI helping people help themselves. The Black United Fund of Illinois. Based in Chicago serving black and urban comm

Play our video with sound. Hear our message.

(773) 324-0494

About Black United Fund of Illinois 40 years of service

Service & Legacy

Supporting Black & Urban communities in Chicago and Illinois for four decades—join us in honoring this milestone! For 40 years, BUFI, in partnership with its affiliated agencies deeply rooted in grassroots communities, has strategically deployed resources to tackle critical challenges head-on. Our funders and donors are not just giving; they are investing in targeted solutions that directly address economic disparity, educational inequity, and social justice. Every dollar is allocated with precision, ensuring maximum impact where it’s needed most. Through a coordinated network of community-based organizations, BUFI drives meaningful, lasting change—strengthening opportunities, breaking down barriers, and building a foundation for a brighter future.

#StrategicGiving #ImpactWithPrecision #MissionDrivenFunding #EfficientGiving #TargetedSolutions #NonprofitExcellence #MaximizingImpact #PurposefulFunding #GrassrootsEmpowerment
#SmartPhilanthropy #FundingForChange #EveryDollarCounts #EffectiveNonprofits #BuildingStrongerCommunities #ResultsDrivenGiving

Black United Fund of Illinois Supporting Your community

The Black United Fund of Illinois (BUFI): Premier Nonprofit in Chicago and Illinois

The Black United Fund of Illinois (BUFI) is a leading nonprofit organization in Chicago and Illinois, dedicated to providing essential philanthropic support for projects and programs that uplift Black and urban communities across the state. Our mission is to drive meaningful, positive change by promoting economic empowerment and educational opportunities within underserved Black and urban communities, ensuring that every initiative is backed by strategic giving and designed for maximum impact with precision.

A Trusted Leader in Mission-Driven Funding

Recognized as one of the top nonprofit organizations in Chicago and Illinois, BUFI directs a high percentage of foundation donations and personal contributions toward impactful, community-centered initiatives for Black and urban residents. We believe in mission-driven funding that prioritizes efficient giving, ensuring resources reach the communities that need them most. Our targeted solutions ensure that philanthropy is not just widespread but deeply effective.

With an unwavering commitment to uplifting Black and urban communities, BUFI is celebrated as a leading nonprofit organization by InfluenceWatch and acknowledged by the MacArthur Foundation for driving positive social change and delivering high-impact results through purposeful funding.

Signature Programs That Make a Difference

Through signature programs like the Safe Passage initiative and youth mentorship programs, BUFI has earned a reputation as one of the best nonprofits in Chicago and Illinois. We empower communities through grassroots engagement, ensuring that support reaches local organizations and individuals who can create meaningful change from within.

For corporate foundations and individual donors looking for an organization that exemplifies nonprofit excellence, BUFI stands as a model of efficiency and effectiveness in urban Black community initiatives. With a low overhead ratio, we ensure that every dollar counts, strategically distributing funds where they will have the greatest impact.

Smart Philanthropy for Lasting Change

Our approach is grounded in smart philanthropy, ensuring that contributions lead to tangible, lasting results. By focusing on funding for change, we remain at the forefront of building stronger communities and supporting efforts that uplift Black and urban neighborhoods throughout Chicago and Illinois.

Our results-driven giving guarantees that all resources are allocated effectively, maximizing the power of philanthropy to transform lives.

Local non profits - Become an affiliate for grants

The Black United Fund of Illinois (BUFI): A Premier Nonprofit in Chicago and Illinois

Want to make an impact with your organization?
If your organization would like to include BUFI in your roster of federated nonprofit organizations for payroll deductions, we’d love to collaborate with you! Together, we can extend our reach and create meaningful change for communities in need.

Contact us today to learn more about how your organization can join the movement and partner with BUFI. Let’s build a brighter future—together!

BUFI - a federated nonprofit (ask your employer to add BUFI)

The Black United Fund of Illinois (BUFI): A Premier Nonprofit in Chicago and Illinois

At BUFI, we proudly operate as a federated nonprofit, supporting affiliates across Chicago and Illinois through our comprehensive fiscal agency services. Funders looking to make a measurable impact can trust BUFI’s expertise in financial stewardship, compliance, and program efficiency. By providing ongoing technical assistance and advisory support, we ensure that philanthropic contributions drive transformative change while maintaining low overhead costs, ensuring that every dollar counts.

Why Funders Choose BUFI as a Fiscal Agency

Through our fiscal agency services, BUFI acts as a trusted partner for nonprofit organizations, community initiatives, and grassroots programs, offering the financial and administrative framework they need to grow and sustain their impact. We specialize in mission-driven funding and strategic giving, allowing funders to confidently support initiatives that maximize impact with precision.

As a federated nonprofit, we take on complex financial and legal responsibilities, ensuring compliance, transparency, and accountability. Whether you are an emerging nonprofit or an established community group seeking fiscal sponsorship, BUFI provides the infrastructure to handle funding efficiently while allowing your mission to thrive.

Partner with a Proven Leader in Nonprofit Excellence

Funders seeking a results-driven giving model will find BUFI’s smart philanthropy approach ideal for ensuring targeted solutions reach underserved communities. With our expertise in grassroots empowerment, we ensure that funding for change directly supports high-impact, community-centered initiatives.

If you are looking for a trusted nonprofit partner serving Chicago’s urban community or Illinois’ urban community, BUFI is here to put your funding and donations to work where they matter most.

Thank You for Your Support!

BUFI: Chicago & Illinois' Premier Fiscal Agency & Nonprofit Leader

Mission: Economic empowerment, education
Focus: Black and urban communities
Donations: High-impact, community-centered initiatives
Recognition: InfluenceWatch, MacArthur Foundation
Signature Programs: Safe Passage, youth mentorship
Efficiency: Low overhead, maximum impact
Support: Affiliate technical assistance, advisory
Distribution: Resources to local organizations
Impact: Positive change across Illinois

celebrating the birthday 08/15/1941 Dr. Conrad Worrill

Our History

August 15, 1941 – June 3, 2020

Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Conrad Worrill — founding board member of the Black United Fund of Illinois, visionary educator, activist, and lifelong advocate for self-determination and Black empowerment.

Dr. Worrill was a cornerstone of our organization and a national voice for justice. His leadership extended from community classrooms to national platforms like the Million Man March and the National Black United Front. Through his voice on WVON’s On Target, and his decades of work with youth, he helped generations understand the deep connections between power, history, and community.

In 2021, his dream was realized with the opening of the Dr. Conrad Worrill Track & Field Center at Gately Park — a world-class facility on Chicago’s Far South Side that reflects his passion for youth, equity, and opportunity.

Although he left us on this day in 2020, his legacy is alive in the work we do, the lives he touched, and the institutions he helped build.

Rest in Power, Dr. Worrill.
We are forever guided by your vision.

August 15, 1941 – June 3, 2020

Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Conrad Worrill

Mon	09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Tue	09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Wed	09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Thu	09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Fri	09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Sat	Closed
Sun	Closed

Celebrating 40 years of impact Investing in self help

Celebrating 40 years of impact Investing in self help