Happening Now 


Give Kids a Chance Video describing the work of our organization.



On April 20th, the Young Professionals' Board (YPB) of the Bright Promises Foundation will host a special showing of the Tony Award-winning Musical, Billy Elliott, and an after-show party at the Wit Hotel to benefit the Foundation.  Click here for more information.



The YPB is comprised of people who are interested in furthering the work and promoting the mission of the Foundation by lending their time and professional knowledge. YPB member Lisa Mayotte said, " I felt joining the YPB would be a great, fun and rewarding way to make a difference to this community and its children." Fellow YPB member Heather Felchle said she joined to "actually make a difference and give children the best future possible."



For more information about the YPB, please contact Lauren Krieg at lauren.krieg@brightpromises.org.


Our Programs

We currently have several important programs, carefully crafted to ensure every dollar donated makes an impact and a lasting difference in the lives of children in Illinois.

The Bright Promises Foundation’s primary activities are identifying the most pressing unmet needs of disadvantaged children in Illinois; calling for individuals, foundations, agencies, legislators, parents and the media to join us in supporting these needs; soliciting grant applications and making grants that support these needs; attracting volunteers and funds to our organization; and recognizing important role models with awards.

Our “focus” is the need we will tackle. Currently, the Bright Promises Foundation’s focus is promoting better health among low-income and other at-risk children between the ages of 8-12. We revisit our focus every four years to ensure relevancy.

Awards are given annually to honor individuals who make a difference in the lives of children.

Grants are given annually to community-based multi-purpose agencies in our area of focus.

There are numerous factors which contribute to the rise in unhealthy lifestyles affecting Illinois children, particularly in low-income communities, including: parental influence and lack of education, unhealthy school-prepared lunches/snacks, vending machines in schools, limited time for recess and physical fitness, poor access to supermarkets and readily available fast food/junk food.

In recognition of these risk factors and in its attempt to make the most impact in improving the health of children in Illinois, the Bright Promises Foundation has focused its funding on high-quality organizations with comprehensive plans to “attack” the risk factors.  Healthy Children/Healthy Adults grant-recipient organizations address the issue through fun and varied activities to engage children and their families.