Events & Annual Appeals
MEF programs are designed to serve Chicago's low-income families. Parents pay a small program fee to elicit family commitment and help them understand that their child's education is worth an investment. Program fees cover about 8% of what it costs to send a child to Midtown & Metro. The rest is covered by generous donations from individuals who believe in MEF's mission and by foundations and corporations who want to invest in Chicago's youth.
Individual Donations
MEF relies on the generous contributions of individuals who believe in the mission to guide urban youth along pathways of success through instilling virtue and supporting parents as primary educators of their kids. MEF receives virtually no government funding. Your generosity is tremendously appreciated!
Giving Clubs
Join our Circle of Champions
To acknowledge donors who make a three-year commitment to donate $1,000 or more annually in unrestricted funds, above and beyond giving to special events, MEF created the Circle of Champions, our leadership annual giving club. Members receive a distinctive gift inspired by our kids, as a reminder of the difference they make in an at-risk child's life. They are also recognized in print, in MEF's Annual Report, unless they request anonymity. Kindly consider being a Champion today! Interested? Learn more on how to enroll. Any additional questions, please contact Louis Artiaga.
Become a 'Friend of Metro' or a 'Friend of Midtown'
Who is a Friend of Midtown or Friend of Metro? Someone who believes in Midtown and Metro’s mission, recognizes its impact… and commits to a recurring gift – monthly or quarterly – to support Midtown & Metro students. No matter how large or small, your gift will help us build the foundation we need to serve Midtown & Metro's kids today and tomorrow.
Here are some examples of what your gift of $5, $10, $25, or $50 a month can do:
Provide support for a student to attend the program;
Help pay for a character education class; or,
Support enriching field trips that expose students to Chicago’s world of opportunity.
Publication
Other Ways to Give
Stock Transfer
Gift Cards
MEF can accept gift cards as donations. Through our partnership with Raise, we are now able to convert gift cards (of any amount, to any store) into a cash donation for MEF kids! If you have unused gifts cards collecting dust in your wallet or desk drawer, please consider donating them in support of MEF programs and services. You can mail your gift cards to: Midtown Educational Foundation | 718 S. Loomis Chicago IL 60607 or drop them in the collection boxes in the Midtown and Metro volunteer centers. Contact Pam at pwilliams@midtown-metro.org with any questions.
Shop online with amazon smile or Giving Assistant
When you do your shopping at AmazonSmile, Amazon donates 0.5% of the purchase price to Midtown Educational Foundation. Bookmark the link http://smile.amazon.com/ch/36-3417278 and support us every time you shop.
Transform every online purchase into a donation for Midtown Educational Foundation using Giving Assistant: Learn more here
Astellas employees volunteering at Metro
GROUP SERVICE PROJECTS
Corporate groups or community organizations may donate their time through service projects that enhance the Midtown or Metro facilities. Such opportunities include painting, renovation, or other creative projects sponsored by the volunteer group. If interested in proposing a volunteer opportunity or for additional questions, please fill out the Community & Company Interest Form.
Corporate Matching Gifts
Maximize the impact of your donation with a matching gift from your company! Most companies sponsor matching gift programs as an employee benefit and are eager to support local charities that do good in the community. Please contact human resources at your firm today to learn more. Contact Margaret Archibald if you have questions about setting up a matching gift. MEF's EIN number is 36-3417278.
Career Speakers
MEF programs help learning come alive by exposing kids to a world of opportunity beyond the classroom. Visit Midtown or Metro's programs as a guest career speaker or host a career tour at your office for a group of students. If interested in sharing your career story through a one-time volunteer opportunity, please contact the Midtown Director or Metro Director.
Volunteer
Be a mentor to a Midtown or Metro child as a volunteer tutor for just two hours once a week. Learn more about volunteering at Midtown for boys or Metro for girls.
Donate Supplies
Midtown and Metro welcome donated supplies or equipment from corporations, schools, or community organizations. Examples include school supplies, exercise equipment, furniture, electronics, etc. If you are interested in donating any supplies, please contact the Midtown Director or Metro Director.
Estate Planning
Did you know that you can make a gift to MEF now and still benefit from the gift during your lifetime? Planned giving arrangements can benefit both donor and charity. Learn more about popular giving options. Please contact your attorney regarding specific questions on Estate Planning.
Specific Program Funding Opportunities
For questions on additional specific funding opportunities, contact Brent Bridwell.
A profile of one of the most successful after-school mentoring programs in the U.S., Chicago's Midtown Educational Foundation, this book is also a how-to guide to setting up a virtues-based character education program "that works." It is a practical companion toward a worthy goal: the envisioning, creating and implementing of a person-centered character education program for children in grades four through twelve.
"The perfect guide to authentic character formation for teachers, administrators, and youth workers." -- Kevin Ryan, Center for Advancement of Ethics & Character
Copies of the book are $20. Order yours today.