Starting with Learning: Reflections on the Chicago Giving Circle’s Food Insecurity Panel and the Grantmaking Process
In 2021, three entrepreneurial families came together with a shared goal: pool philanthropic resources, create accountability, engage their families, and make giving more consistent and joyful. JH Philanthropy was honored to build the model for them and now serves as fractional staff and facilitator, supporting governance, group engagement, due diligence, and grantmaking. Now in its fourth year of grantmaking, the Chicago Giving Circle (CGC) is a collaborative of 21 families and business leaders committed to values-driven philanthropy. The giving circle offers a powerful example of what’s possible when families come together with shared purpose and a willingness to try something new.
One of my roles on the JHP team is serving as CGC’s program officer. I help facilitate its annual grant cycle and have a front-row seat to its distinctive approach to giving: one that’s democratic, nonprofit-centered, and deeply rooted in learning.
Coming from a background in nonprofit programming, I’ve seen how traditional funding models can burden organizations. That’s why it’s been refreshing to witness a process that actively reduces barriers and invites funders into a posture of humility and curiosity.
CGC supports emerging, growth-stage nonprofits that address critical needs across Chicago. Each year, the group selects a single issue to explore. This year’s focus is food insecurity. This rotating impact area allows members to learn about a range of issues and organizations, helping them become more informed and engaged civic leaders.
To kick off the grant cycle, we introduced a learning panel during the sourcing phase—an often-overlooked step in many grantmaking processes. In April, we convened local leaders to unpack the landscape of food insecurity in Chicago, including its systemic roots, the policy context, nonprofit innovation, and philanthropy’s role in driving change.
We were honored to hear from Kate Maehr, CEO of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, and Sarah Glavin, Head of Community Affairs at Amazon. Kate offered a sobering look at the scale of hunger in our city, while Sarah shared thoughtful insights on the role of corporate partnerships and the need to work closely with nonprofits on the ground.
For CGC members, this was more than a panel. It was a moment to pause, listen, and reflect on what it means to show up not just as donors, but as stewards of community resources and relationships.
Kate Maehr, CEO at Greater Chicago Food Depository
Sarah Glavin, Community Affairs at Amazon
One of the most powerful aspects of CGC is how seriously the group takes the responsibility of learning. Members don’t position themselves as experts. Instead, they lead with questions, embrace discomfort, and make space to be challenged.
Just as important, CGC’s process is nonprofit-centered. We take care not to ask organizations to invest time or energy unless there’s a strong likelihood of funding. We do our own research—through panels, network activation, and diligence—before inviting proposals. And we honor the deep expertise already present in the communities we aim to support.
Seeing this process up close has only affirmed what I’ve long believed: when grantmaking is grounded in equity, learning, and partnership, the outcomes are more thoughtful and more sustainable. I’m proud to be part of a community that asks not just what we can give, but how we can grow.
As we move into the next phase of our grant cycle, I’m excited to see how this year unfolds. If the panel was any indication, we’re off to a meaningful start.
An individual utilizes a community fridge, a refrigerator or freezer placed in a public space where anyone can freely take or donate food.
