The deadline has been extended for BAPA’s challenge grant from the Richard H. Driehaus Charitable Lead Trust. All donations to BAPA made by Dec. 31, 2018 will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling the value of contributions.
“It’s a very exciting time in Beverly/Morgan Park, with so many young families, expanding cultural events and unique new businesses,” said BAPA Executive Director Susan Flood, With this kind of endorsement, BAPA is poised to act on this momentum and take this incredible neighborhood to the next level. “There’s no stronger endorsement of our bright future than when someone like Richard Driehaus decides to give with such generosity.”
The matching grant was announced at the beginning of November and has elicited an outstanding response from the community. The extension of the deadline underscores the importance of this opportunity to help BAPA make its resources go twice as far.
BAPA has a lot of work to do, and these critical dollars will move forward:
- BAPA’s new Housing and Historic Preservation Committee working on preserving our neighborhood homes, buildings and Metra Stations.
- Cleanup and beautification of important community spaces.
- Focus on supporting our growing business community and attracting new, exciting business investment.
- Continuing the work of BAPA’s Education Committee in strengthening local schools and fostering meaningful opportunities for public and private school students, families and staff connection.
- The creation of initiatives to welcome new homeowners to the community, and provide the information they need to become active in our neighborhood, strengthening our community bonds: schools, churches, the arts, charitable and civic organizations
- Commitment to refresh and reinvigorate our mission-based special events to become even better at serving our community, but also in attracting new visitors to experience our Village in the City
- Develop responsive initiatives to help our neighbors age safely and happily in the homes they love.
“The Driehaus Trust generally only supports organizations that are successful in carrying out their missions in a meaningful manner,” said Thomas Chomicz, BAPA Vice President, emphasizing the importance of the gift as an affirmation of BAPA’s success in serving the Beverly/Morgan Park community.
Born and raised in Chicago, Richard H. Driehaus has longtime ties to our area, and has supported local organizations including St. Margaret of Scotland Church and Saint Xavier University with transformative gifts. His philanthropic and community service-oriented projects support organizations throughout Chicago, as well as nationally and internationally. Gifts to BAPA have strengthened programs in historic/architectural preservation as well as community-building initiatives.
Mr. Driehaus began his successful career in 1968, earning recognition for his business skill and performance. In 1982 he founded Driehaus Capital Management LLC. His philanthropic work supports education, historic preservation, humanistic values, economic opportunity initiatives that benefit people living in poverty, financial literacy, the built environment, and the arts.
In recognition of his outstanding accomplishments and commitment to philanthropy and humanitarianism, Mr. Driehaus has received numerous local, national and international awards and honors.
This generous matching grant from the Richard H. Driehaus Charitable Lead Trust will enable BAPA to expand its grassroots work in the community. BAPA has been busy working on beautification projects that target public spaces, reinvigorating important programs that support neighborhood initiatives, strengthening services to local businesses, invigorating community partnerships and more.
Whether you’re a current BAPA member, planning to renew your annual membership or a first-time member, BAPA leaders hope you can find a little extra in your budget now that your monetary contribution will go twice as far! Membership donations qualify for the match.
“BAPA relies on financial support from neighbors who understand our mission to keep Beverly/Morgan Park strong and beautiful,” Flood said. “An important aspect of this grant opportunity is the positive reflection of BAPA’s longstanding work and of our neighborhood. It is a tremendous affirmation of BAPA’s vital role in our community.”
The residents and businesses in Beverly/Morgan Park have a long history of supporting BAPA’s work. It is hoped that neighbors who have not yet become BAPA members will view this grant as an opportunity to show their confidence in BAPA’s work and double the impact of their dollars.
BAPA is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization and gifts are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
To become a member or make a donation, please use the envelope enclosed in this issue of The Villager or visit www.bapa.org where it’s fast and easy to sign up online at www.bapa.org.
If you need more information about BAPA, please call Susan Flood, 773-233-3100. She is eager to make time to talk about all the wonderful work being accomplished in our community.
