Supporting Black and Urban Communities and Strengthening Grassroots Nonprofits Throughout Chicago Since 1995.
Supporting Black and Urban Communities and Strengthening Grassroots Nonprofits Throughout Chicago Since 1995.
Who We Are
The Black United Fund of Illinois (BUFI) is a Black-led urban nonprofit organization in Chicago dedicated to strengthening communities through education, economic empowerment, youth development, and grassroots philanthropy.
Working with community organizations, nonprofit affiliates, foundations, and corporate partners, BUFI connects resources with programs that serve Chicago's Black and underserved urban neighborhoods.
Through its federated nonprofit network, BUFI supports local organizations working in education, youth development, arts and culture, social services, and community advancement.
Helping People Help Themselves is more than our motto. It reflects our commitment to building stronger communities and creating opportunities for lasting progress throughout Chicago and Illinois.
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.
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.
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.
With leaders or our affiliates:
We are an urban nonprofit in Chicago dedicated to empowering communities through education, resources, and high-impact grants. Join us in our mission to create a better future for Black and urban neighborhoods across Chicago and Illinois.
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Black United Fund of Illinois was founded in 1995 by a group of community members who recognized the need for a local organization dedicated to helping homeless individuals. Since then, we have grown into a thriving nonprofit, serving hundreds of individuals each year. Thank you for your donation.