"The Chicago Blackhawks and our Foundation place great importance on serving our local community, especially our neighbors on the West Side," said Danny Wirtz, Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Blackhawks. "Together with United, a long-standing partner to our home arena, this unique blend of on- and off-ice elements propels our vision to 'reimagine the potential of hockey' forward with programs that seek to assist in long-term recovery and elevate the economic corridors of West Side communities surrounding the United Center."
Support West will serve as the sister program to
One West Side
, which is also generously supported by United and focuses on financial investment and leadership development for West Side nonprofits in partnership with A Better Chicago. Launched in September 2020, One West Side will invest at least $2 million over the next three years in Chicago's West Side, fueling programs and services that enable Chicago's youth to thrive at all stages of life. The initiative is currently serving its first cohort of five organizations deeply embedded in their communities with exceptional leaders poised to expand their impact.
"As Chicago's Hometown Airline®, it is critical to United to support the many struggling businesses that so many communities, United customers and United team members depend on. We are pleased to partner with the Blackhawks to channel our resources to better ensure that the small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic remain a valuable part of our city when we emerge from this pandemic." said Rahsaan Johnson, Director of Global Sponsorship Activation at United.
The Chicago Blackhawks Foundation will open the Support West grant process on Monday, February 1 through Sunday, February 28. Interested and eligible small businesses should visit
Blackhawks.com/Foundation
at that time to apply, with selection slated to begin in March 2021.
\Additional, specific eligibility requirements will be posted to Blackhawks.com/Foundation when the grant application opens*
