United Way of Metro Chicago has announced a $10 million gift from BMO Harris Bank in support of community-led efforts to boost investment and economic opportunities in South and West Side neighborhoods.

The largest corporate gift ever to UWMC will support the organization's Neighborhood Network Initiative, which is working to strengthen the capacity of coalitions in Auburn Gresham, Austin, Blue Island/Robbins, Brighton Park, Bronzeville, Cicero, Evanston, Little Village, South Chicago, and West Chicago to lead economic development efforts in those neighborhoods. The funds will be used to help Austin Coming Together, the lead partner in the Austin coalition, implement its Quality of Life Plan, which was developed with support from the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), and strengthen social service infrastructure in the neighborhood. In addition, Rick and Cate Waddell, Cheryl and Zed Francis, Bob and Linda Sullivan, and others have pledged $2 million in support of economic development opportunities in the neighborhood.

The bank's commitment kicks off an initiative by Chicago mayor Lori E. Lightfoot to bring government, business, philanthropy, and community leaders together around revitalization efforts in South and West Side neighborhoods. In alignment with the city's INVEST South/West strategy, the United Way of Metro Chicago has committed $25 million over five years to the Neighborhood Network Initiative and has launched a multiyear campaign in support of place-based strategies across the city.

"Real change at the neighborhood level starts with residents' vision and requires an aligned focus on economic development, affordable housing, cradle-to-career education pipeline, and wrap-around human services," said United Way of Metro Chicago president and CEO Sean Garrett. "We believe in this collaborative, community-led approach, and we look forward to working in partnership with the mayor and other community investors to accelerate the implementation of these place-based strategies."

"Economic opportunity and strong neighborhoods go hand in hand," said BMO Harris Bank CEO David Casper, who is chair of the United Way's campaign. "United Way's Neighborhood Network Initiative, paired with Mayor Lightfoot's economic development plan, is an opportunity for bold community and business leaders to step forward and act as changemakers, improving the quality of life and driving lasting improvements."