CFF coordinates volunteer school supplies packing events so that all students can start the school year with the materials they need to participate in class. CFF can match volunteers with one or more schools depending on the size and timeline. You can deliver backpacks to the school or CFF can help create a custom distribution event or feature at an existing back-to-school event. (Costs associated: $35-$50 per student for backpack and school supplies)

For the holidays, CFF works with partners to collect and wrap gifts for younger learners. For children in communities with a history of disinvestment and other barriers, many may not have holiday gifts at home. These events bring joy and help build strong connections to schools as caring and supportive environments. CFF works with teachers at high-need schools to collect students’ holiday wishes. Volunteers purchase and wrap presents that can be delivered on your behalf or CFF can coordinate a gift delivery event. (Cost associated: Holiday gifts ~$30/student)

Hygiene closets empower schools to support student wellness, meeting both physical and social emotional needs. Each care closet is fully stocked with health and hygiene items such as deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, soap, hair ties, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc. CFF can help you organize a hygiene supplies drive, or supplies can be purchased and CFF can help coordinate a school-based closet-stocking event for volunteers. (Cost associated: $2,500/per school) 

Career exploration activities that begin in middle school and continue into postsecondary can help students achieve this clarity by enabling them to try on different careers and explore possibilities for their future.
There are several ways to support this journey:

• Host a Visit: Invite a students to tour your workplace and hear from a panel of employees across roles and departments.
• Volunteer for Skill-Building: Support students through mock interviews, resumé reviews, and career-readiness workshops.
• Create opportunities for job shadowing or internships that give students real-world experience and insights.

CFF may be able to match you with a school in need of landscaping, teachers lounge upgrades, and other renovation projects. School buildings are the anchors of our communities. Beautification projects can make schools feel more like welcoming, joy-inspiring learning environments for students and teachers. A team of volunteers can assist with projects such as gardening, painting, or classroom clean-up and organization. (Cost associated: ~$5,000 for needed supplies)

Volunteers can champion Chicago Public Schools and create fundraisers with their network to support public education in our city. CFF can help you create a custom online giving page and give you the opportunity to donate or champion the mission of supporting Chicago’s students. CFF Fundraisers can be designed to support specific schools, target student groups or programs, or be designated to support areas of greatest need. We welcome partnering with individuals or employee resource groups looking to support CPS.