“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
We seek to support the organizations and individuals in our community that strive to make a difference in the lives of our youth. It is a pivotal moment in Chicago’s history; one that is providing an environment full of negative outcomes for many children growing up in low income neighborhoods.
It is our hope that we can assist those who dare to disrupt the cycle of need and lay the groundwork for impactful change that will endure for the generations to come.
KEY AREAS OF FOCUSED INVESTMENT
EDUCATION
We are committed to increasing the academic achievement of low-income students in Chicago’s public schools. We focus on strengthening young minds with early childhood initiatives, after school programs that provide additional support and structure, and activities that focus on preparing teens for post-secondary success.
ARTS
We support efforts to improve the quality and expand the availability of art and cultural programs, to ensure we keep our youth engaged and exposed to creative fields. We believe in the transformative power of the arts and the endless opportunities it creates for children to grow and enact change within their communities.
HEALTH & WELFARE
Without their basic needs met children cannot flourish in academic or social settings. We earmark a portion of our annual giving to providing food, shelter and emergency medical care to children and families. We also seek partnerships with organizations that ensure students are properly nourished and informed about healthy lifestyle choices.
ADOLESCENT & YOUNG ADULT ONCOLOGY SUPPORT
Combining our dedication to underserved youth with our desire to support families through the life-changing reality of a cancer diagnosis, we are proud to fund initiatives that have a positive impact on the cancer journeys of adolescents and young adults. Through our Foundation’s initiative, Lyon’s Way, funds will staff a full-time psychologist at University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital.
Learn More About Lyon’s Way →
LEUKEMIA RESEARCH
Robert Lyon lost his battle with Leukemia in 2007 after fighting the disease for three long years. After his passing, the Lyon family created the Robert Lyon Leukemia Foundation in his honor in 2008. In 2017, the family merged the two foundations in order to function more efficiently as a charitable organization and help the greatest number of people. In 2019, the foundation completed at one million dollar pledge to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
DISCRETIONARY FUNDS
As part of our by-laws we allot 10% of our annual giving to causes close to the board members’ hearts but outside of our key areas of focus. Discretionary gifts are listed in our grant section under “other.”