Golub Capital Social Impact Lab welcomes second IGNITE cohort
Eight Chicago nonprofits chosen for leadership program
Golub Capital Social Impact Lab welcomes second IGNITE cohortBuilding on the success of its previous cohorts, the Golub Capital Social Impact Lab announced the selection of eight new nonprofit leadership teams participating in the third cohort of IGNITE. The nine-month program is designed to support organizations serving Chicago’s Black community, equipping nonprofit leaders with the tools and resources needed to strengthen their individual and collective impact.
Hosted by the Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, IGNITE offers consulting assistance, networking opportunities, monthly executive coaching, peer mentorship, and financial stipends to support capacity-building work.
“Our third cohort includes eight remarkable nonprofit organizations that are deeply committed to uplifting Chicago’s Black community,” said Tyeise Huntley, director of the Golub Capital Lab at Chicago Booth’s Rustandy Center. “The enthusiasm that our city’s leaders bring to the program is inspiring, and we’re looking forward to seeing how they apply what they have learned to drive meaningful change in their communities.”
Since 2023, IGNITE has supported more than 45 participants from 15 organizations with world-class business education. The program provides classroom sessions led by faculty from Booth and the University of Chicago as well as nonprofit practitioners who focus on strategy, decision-making, and resource management. Through its curriculum, the program fosters collaboration among participants, creating a space for leaders to share challenges, exchange lessons, and apply their knowledge to better advocate for their communities.
Established with a significant five-year commitment from Golub Capital, IGNITE is the signature offering of the Golub Capital Lab at Booth’s Rustandy Center. The program was developed in partnership with Golub Capital, Booth, and the Chicago Urban League, offering tailored resources to the leaders of nonprofits serving the Black community in Chicago to strengthen and scale the impact of their organizations.
“The support from Golub Capital and the partnership they formed with Booth and the Chicago Urban League continues to be a critical part of building capacity in nonprofits serving the Black community of Chicago,” said Golub Capital Lab faculty director George Wu. “IGNITE has validated that a program like this is necessary to the community and that it can be successful in terms of amplifying the impact of nonprofits who are already doing great things.”
This year’s cohort includes organizations focused on career and community development, social services, and arts and culture. The program kicks off in January and ends in September. Applications for the 2025-26 cohort will open in the fall of 2025.
To learn more about the program and how to apply visit IGNITE.
Bright Star Community Outreach
Exists to be a hub that addresses challenges in the under-resourced, underserved, and underdeveloped communities by utilizing trauma and training and community conversations and collaboration models.
Lakreshia Kindred (Executive Director)
Chicago Lights
Builds brighter futures through supportive relationships and life-changing programs.
Stacy Jackson (Executive Director)
EMMAUS
Supports male survivors’ journey out of the sex trade into freedom and fullness of life, and to fight exploitation worldwide for all mankind.
Joel Mitchell (Executive Director)
Greenwood Project
Creates career pathways in financial services for Black and Latino college students through rigorous training, coaching, and internships with corporate partners.
Kwesi Smith (CEO)
Kehrein Center for the Arts Foundation
Provides a home for artistic creative expression and civic engagement that animates and engages the human spirit in ways that prioritize the Black experience in the Austin community/West side and beyond.
Reesheda Graham-Washington (Founding Executive Director)
Ladies of Virtue
Instills purpose, passion, and perseverance in girls ages 9 to 18, preparing them for college and careers, and to become change agents in their communities.
Jamila Trimuel (Founder and CEO)
Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland
Advances justice for Black LGBTQ+ people across Chicagoland through empowerment, education, and entertainment.
Jamie Frazier (Founder and Executive Director)
The Night Ministry
Provides human connection, housing support, and health care to members of our community who are unhoused or experiencing poverty.
Carol J Sharp (President and CEO)
The Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation is the destination at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business for people committed to helping solve complex social and environmental problems.As Chicago Booth’s social impact hub, the Rustandy Center offers hands-on learning opportunities, supports innovative courses, and pursues research—all with the goal of developing people and practices with the potential to solve the world’s biggest problems.
Golub Capital
is a market-leading, award-winning direct lender and experienced credit
asset manager. It specializes in delivering reliable, creative, and
compelling financing solutions to companies backed by private equity
sponsors.
Chicago Urban League
is one of the oldest and largest affiliates of the National Urban
League. It works to achieve equity for Black families and communities
through social and economic empowerment.
Eight Chicago nonprofits chosen for leadership program
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