NBC 5 Chicago, Telemundo Chicago and Comcast NBCUniversal announced $227,272 has been awarded to eight local nonprofit organizations through the 2025 NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants. Since 2018, NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago have now providedmore than $1.7 million to 55 area nonprofits through the annual grant program.
For the eighth-straight year, the competitive grant challenge is awarding unrestricted funding to eligible nonprofits making a difference in Chicago. Applications were accepted in three categories: youth education and empowerment, next generation storytellers, and community engagement. The 2025 application window for 501(c)(3) nonprofits was March 11 through April 11.
“We are honored to once again partner with Comcast NBCUniversal to award and provide needed funding to these deserving organizations, which will enable them to reach their goals and continue to make a positive impact in our local communities,” said Kevin Cross, President & General Manager, NBCUniversal Local Chicago.
The 2025 NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants are providing $2.5 million in funds to nonprofits serving one of NBC and Telemundo owned stations’ 11 U.S. markets, which include Chicago (WMAQ, WSNS), New York(WNBC, WNJU), Southern California (KNBC, KVEA), Philadelphia (WCAU, WWSI), Dallas-Fort Worth(KXAS, KXTX), Boston (WBTS, WNEU, NECN), Washington, D.C. (WRC-TV, WZDC), San Francisco Bay Area (KNTV, KSTS), Miami-Fort Lauderdale (WTVJ, WSCV), San Diego (KNSD, KUAN) and Hartford, Conn.(WVIT, WRDM). Founded in 2018, NBCUniversal’s grant program has now provided $21 million to 615 nonprofits.
The 2025 NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants recipients in the Chicago area are as follows:
- YEMBA, Inc. (YEMBA Inc.) – $45,000 (Youth Education & Empowerment)
YEMBA provides youth with the education, exposure and experiences that lead to better outcomes for themselves, their families and their community. The organization is committed to maximizing after-school and in-school opportunities where students can benefit most from extra-curricular programs and a well-rounded support network.
- Chicago Hyde Park Village (Chicago Hyde Park Village) – $37,272 (Community Engagement)
Supports older adults in aging with dignity through volunteer services, wellness programs, and community engagement in South Side Chicago.
- Foundation for Culinary Arts (Foundation for Culinary Arts) – $30,000 (Youth Education & Empowerment)
Empowers low-income Chicago youth through culinary training camps that build cooking, nutrition, and life skills for employment and healthy living.
- Homewood Science Center (Homewood Science Center) – $30,000 (Youth Education & Empowerment)
Provides STEM education to youth across 19 school districts through immersive, hands-on programs from early childhood to middle school.
- Plant Chicago (Plant Chicago) – $30,000 (Youth Education & Empowerment)
Offers youth education in sustainability and urban agriculture through workshops, internships, and summer intensives at a circular economy center.
- Gateway to the Outdoors (Gateway to the Great Outdoors) – $25,000 (Youth Education & Empowerment)
Provides environmental education to students through STEAM lessons, outdoor field trips, and community improvement projects.
- Project I Am (Project I Am) – $20,000 (Community Engagement)
Empowers youth to address homelessness and serve their communities through leadership programs and service events.
- Pilsen Center for Cultural and Contemporary Arts (PCCArts) – $10,000 (Youth Education & Empowerment)
Delivers arts-based programs in schools and communities, teaching music production and photography to empower youth with creative and career-ready skills.
For more information on the NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants, VISIT HERE
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