At Urban Initiatives, we often say that our work is built on relationships with students, schools, coaches, and partners who believe deeply in supporting wellness and expanding access to opportunity for young people. Few partners embody that belief more fully, or have shaped our organization more profoundly, than the J.R. Albert Foundation.
Reviewing our past progress reports feels like opening a time capsule that captures our evolution year after year and reminds us how deeply the J.R. Albert Foundation is woven into our story. The Foundation has been one of the most enduring forces behind Urban Initiatives’ growth.
From Early Days to Citywide Impact
The J.R. Albert Foundation’s support reaches back to some of Urban Initiatives’ earliest chapters. From the foundational years of our elementary soccer program expansion to the extension of our service lines into leadership development, recess, and youth workforce pathways, this investment helped create opportunities for tens of thousands of Chicago students.
The J.R. Albert Foundation was one of our first foundation partners, our first six-figure foundation gift, and our first unrestricted operational grant. That level of trust was ahead of its time and reflected a deep understanding that nonprofits are best positioned to steward resources in ways that drive meaningful, lasting impact.
A pivotal moment came in 2008, when coverage in the Chicago Tribune first brought Urban Initiatives to the Foundation’s attention. That visibility marked a turning point for the organization and helped propel our work forward at a critical time. In the years that followed, Urban Initiatives grew thoughtfully, strengthened its infrastructure, and expanded its reach while remaining grounded in its mission to use sport and play to support young people and communities across Chicago.
Partnership Beyond the Grant
What makes the J.R. Albert Foundation’s support is especially meaningful, because it has always gone beyond funding alone. Over the years, Foundation representatives have attended events, visited schools, volunteered alongside our teams, and reviewed countless reports documenting the impact of their investment.
That presence matters. It reflects a true partnership rooted in shared values, trust, and long-term commitment to Chicago’s youth. Urban Initiatives’ ability to navigate challenges, adapt to change, and sustain meaningful impact is directly connected to the strong foundation of support the J.R. Albert Foundation helped build.
A Living Legacy
We recognize that the J.R. Albert Foundation’s priorities have evolved over time, with a current focus on investments in organizations strengthening local and healthy food systems throughout the Midwest. Even so, the Foundation’s partnership with Urban Initiatives lives on in every young person who finds belonging on a field or playground, in every coach trained to lead with care, and in every school and neighborhood strengthened through sport and play.
Their generosity helped change the trajectory of Urban Initiatives and expand access and opportunity for an entire generation of Chicago youth. We are forever grateful for that belief and remain committed to putting those worthwhile investments to work for the city we all care about.
Reflections from the J.R. Albert Foundation
We are honored to invite insight from Melvin Kim, Chief Executive Officer of the J.R. Albert Foundation, to reflect on the Foundation’s partnership with Urban Initiatives and what this journey has meant from their perspective.
Melvin Kim, the Chief Executive Officer of J.R. Albert Foundation shared, “Urban Initiatives was one of the first organizations we ever supported since our founding in 2007. The way that Jimmy [Dower] and UI focused their efforts around building relationships with schools, neighborhoods, students, and their families was what initially inspirited us to support the organization.” He added, “We are honored to be counted as one of many UI supporters and are proud of their journey as they continue to impact the lives of Chicago students.”
Thank you to the J.R. Albert Foundation for being part of our team for so many years and for exemplifying what true partnership and enduring commitment look like in action.
