What We Do

Building a Connected System of Opportunity

HOW WE CREATE IMPACT

Play Creates Opportunity.

Play is where relationships begin and opportunity grows. Those relationships become the foundation for confidence, belonging, and leadership.

Urban Initiatives partners with schools, families, and communities to create experiences where young people build the skills and connections they need to succeed in school and beyond.

We strengthen the adults, partnerships, and environments that shape young people’s lives every day.

Learn About Our Approaches
Read our FY25 Review Here

  • Play Is Serious

    We use the power of sport and play to make an impact.

  • What Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Means to Us

    At Urban Initiatives, we asked some of our closest friends, some of the most successful people we know, how they’ve seen the impact of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in their own lives and why strong SEL is so important for individuals, communities, and society as a whole.

  • Urban Initiatives’ Approach

    In 2003, Urban Initiatives came up with the goal to create a safe space with trusted adults where kids can play together. In this video, learn how we did it and how we continue to evolve and grow the program.

  • It’s Time to Make an Impact

    Urban Initiatives is using the power of sport and play to strengthen Chicago’s future by building an enduring team of youth, families, schools, and communities.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Play-based experiences where young people build confidence, relationships, leadership, and teamwork from early childhood through high school.

ADULT LEARNING

Professional learning that equips educators, youth workers, coaches, and community leaders with practical strategies to strengthen school culture, youth development, and social-emotional learning.

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT

Interactive workshops that help caregivers strengthen relationships, build resilience, and support children’s development through the power of play.

YOUTH WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Career exploration, paid work experiences, mentoring, and coaching that prepare young people with the skills, experiences, and relationships needed for college, careers, and lifelong success.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Play-based experiences where young people build confidence, relationships, leadership, and teamwork from early childhood through high school.

Financial Overview

84% of Expenses Directly Support Our Programs at Urban Initiatives

Urban Initiatives is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization operating in the state of Illinois. We put donations to work in programs for kids, parents and coaches.

To view our most recent Form 990, please search for us under EIN: 83-0367521 on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool.

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