Goodman Law Group | Chicago is committed to making a positive impact on our community. In addition to our ongoing community service work, each month we contribute a portion of our revenue to a charitable organization in honor of our clients. Our charitable giving focuses on community institutions and organizations in education, the arts, and services that improve the quality of life for people in Chicago and around the world. We invite you to introduce us to your favorite nonprofit since our contributions are in honor of you, our clients. Email us here to suggest organizations for our consideration. Recent recipients include…
Lambda Legal is a national organization that is committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people, and those with HIV through impact litigation, education, and public policy work. Since Lambda Legal’s founding in 1973, its lawyers have won precedent-setting civil rights cases on everything from marriage equality to expressions of gender identity to healthcare discrimination.
A major museum and research center for Chicago and U.S. history, the Chicago History Museum strives to be a destination for learning, inspiration and civic engagement. Through dynamic exhibitions, tours, publications, special events, and programming, the Museum connects people to Chicago’s history and to each other. To share Chicago stories, the Museum collects and preserves millions of artifacts, documents, images, and other items that are relevant to the city’s history.
The ACLU of Illinois has been the principal protector of constitutional rights in the state since its founding in 1926. The ACLU of Illinois (ACLU), and its affiliated Roger Baldwin Foundation (RBF), are non-partisan, non-profit organizations dedicated to protecting the liberties guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, the state Constitution, and state/federal human rights laws. The ACLU accomplishes its goals through litigating, lobbying, and educating the public on a broad array of civil liberties issues. The ACLU’s advocacy is legendary in the areas of racial justice, religious liberty, freedom of expression, the rights of children and people with disabilities, criminal justice reform, fairness for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender individuals, and reproductive justice.
Opened in 2003 in Millennium Park, the Harris was the first multi-use performance venue built in downtown Chicago since 1929, and fulfilled the city’s need for a shared home for mid-size performing arts organizations. Today, the Theater features some of the most diverse arts and culture offerings of any venue in the city, and is a distinctive model for artistic quality, collaboration, and making the performing arts relevant and accessible to the widest possible audience.
Brandeis University was founded in 1948 by the American Jewish community at a time when Jews and other ethnic and racial minorities, and women, faced discrimination in higher education.
Brandeis’ visionary founders established a nonsectarian research university that welcomed talented faculty and students of all backgrounds and beliefs. From the outset, Brandeis focused on undergraduate education, while building a pioneering research enterprise. The university was named for Louis Dembitz Brandeis (1856-1941), the first Jewish justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. One of the greatest minds to serve on the high court, Justice Brandeis made an indelible mark on modern jurisprudence by shaping free speech, the right to privacy and the rights of ordinary citizens. He exemplified the values of the new university through his dedication to open inquiry and the pursuit of truth, insistence on critical thinking, and his commitment to helping the common man.
The Field Museum, whose work connects all of us to the natural world and the human story.
Goodman Theatre, Chicago’s oldest and largest not-for-profit theater, has won international renown for the quality of productions, the depth and diversity of artistic leadership, and the excellence of its many community and educational programs. Under the guidance of Artistic Director Susan V. Booth and Executive Director John Collins, the Goodman is committed to producing both classic and contemporary works, giving full voice to a wide range of artists and visions. Central to that mission is the Goodman Artistic Collective, a diverse group of outstanding theater artists whose distinctive visions have given the Goodman an artistic identity of uncommon richness and variety. By dedicating itself to three guiding principles—Quality, Equity and Community—Goodman Theatre seeks to be the premier cultural organization in Chicago, providing productions and programs that make an essential contribution to the quality of life in our city.
Lincoln Park Zoo is dedicated to connecting people with nature by providing a free, family-oriented wildlife experience in the heart of Chicago and by advancing the highest quality of animal care, education, science, and conservation. Lincoln Park Zoo uses science to evaluate, evolve, and improve animal care and welfare. Its team of more than 40 scientists combines fieldwork and labwork for a holistic approach to saving species around the world. And the zoo fosters connections between people and the natural world by co-creating programs with partners in Chicago neighborhoods.
Greater Chicago Legal Clinic is a community based legal advocate group that helps underserved families and individuals in the Chicago area navigate the justice system. It has assisted more than 500,000 clients with civil legal matters since its founding in 1981. Greater Chicago Legal Clinic began as the South Chicago Legal Clinic, a storefront office helping members of the community impacted by the reduction in the operation of the steel mills. Since then, the Clinic has grown into a regional provider of legal services in neighborhoods across Chicagoland. Its attorneys are known for their compassionate but zealous advocacy, their accessibility to clients regardless of their English-speaking proficiency, and their dedication to relentlessly pursuing successful outcomes. Greater Chicago Legal Clinic’s vision is to build a society where there are no service gaps in the justice system, so that all Chicago-are communities have equal access to quality legal representation, regardless of income or background.
SGA works with local government, community and private sector leaders to help communities make the changes they need to build a healthy and sustainable future. Through community-wide sustainability planning and implementation, project design and implementation, educational conferences and forums, community network development, consulting, and programs, SGA is a catalyst for local community solutions to global environmental issues. SGA’s work covers a broad range of sustainability topic areas, including: energy efficiency and renewable energy; transportation; healthy community development; waste reduction; water conservation; green business; procurement; local, sustainable food; healthy eating; open space and ecosystem enhancement; and sustainability education.
Lurie Cancer Center’s Annual Cancer Survivors’ Celebration Walk & 5K has been a source of hope and inspiration for people who have faced or are facing cancer. Held in Chicago’s Grant Park, this community event is a unique opportunity for cancer survivors, supporters, scientists and health professionals to connect, celebrate milestones, and make an impact on the future of cancer care. Net proceeds and funds raised from donors, sponsors, and fundraising teams help to advance groundbreaking cancer research and treatment at Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Impact for Equity is committed to addressing the structural racism and systemic oppression that has led to inequities and injustices, particularly for people and communities of color, in Chicago and Illinois. An innovative public interest law and policy center, Impact for Equity utilizes a combination of legal tools, policy research, advocacy, organizing, and convening to work towards transformational change.
Dedicated to advancing nuanced solutions to pressing racial, economic, and social justice issues, Impact for Equity’s work is focused on housing, police accountability; and the criminal legal system. It leads and supports efforts to dismantle systems of injustice, create structures that empower communities, and reduce harms caused by racism and oppression.
TimeLine Theatre Company is a not-for-profit theatre company located in the Lakeview East neighborhood of Chicago. Founded in 1997 by six graduates of The Theatre School of DePaul University, TimeLine is a midsize theater that presents riveting stories that link our past, present, and future – exploring today’s social and political issues through the lens of the past and inspiring its audiences to reimagine tomorrow.
Howard Brown Health Center provides expert care to the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. From pediatrics to geriatrics, the Howard Brown staff is dedicated to helping people live their best lives by providing health services, sexual and reproductive health, and counseling support regardless of ability to pay.
Erie Family Health provides high quality medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare to all, regardless of ability to pay. Motivated by the belief that healthcare is a human right, Erie Family Health provides high-quality affordable care to support healthier people, families, and communities. Erie delivers holistic care to help every member of the family stay healthy and active from infancy through adulthood. It is also a top workplace in the Chicago area.
Susan G. Komen saves lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.
The Pilsen Food Pantry aims to improve health and social outcomes through the distribution of fresh, culturally-appropriate food, clothing, housewares, and community events. The pantry is an extension of the Figueroa Wu Family Foundation’s mission to bring anti-poverty services into areas of unmet needs. It is an immigrant-serving organization and readily welcomes its new migrant neighbors by providing safety, shelter, food, clothing, and healthcare.
Boston University School of Law is one of the nation’s top law schools with a history of excellence dating back to 1872. Its faculty are consistently recognized for exceptional teaching, preeminent scholarship, and transformative mentorship. With more than 25,000 alumni living in all 50 states and more than 100 countries around the world, its graduates have access to a vast global network that contributes to their professional success. The BU Law complex, comprised of the state-of-the-art Sumner M. Redstone Building and adjoining 17-story tower, is located in the heart of Boston overlooking the Charles River.
Providing children and youth from pre-k through high school with fun and engaging physical activity programs regardless of age neighborhood or athletic ability level. Chicago Run serves over 18,000 children and youth with high-quality enriching physical fitness programs, with the goal of improving the physical fitness and social/emotional well-being of all participants by following a Sports Based Youth Development model and using Trauma Sensitive coaches.
This publisher and distributor participates in a campaign that strives to raise money to ensure children from low-income households in a Chicago public school have access to books. The campaign, titled “A Book at Home for Every Child,” supports the efforts of Nancy Wright, a teacher at Joyce Kilmer Elementary School, who started a book vending machine in her school of 700 students pre-K through grade 8, primarily coming from underprivileged backgrounds. Each child is given tokens by their teacher, which they use to pick out and keep their own new books. The purpose of this project is to inspire a love of reading and provide students with resources they may not have access to at home. GLG’s donation will help Ms. Wright with the ongoing task of maintaining and stocking the vending machine with a variety of new, desirable, and interesting books.
A Chicago non-profit that supports new parents with housing, job training, academic coaching, and family support. The organization’s comprehensive approach provides aid to mothers who are 24 years or younger and often impacted by systemic and structural barriers. New Moms combines behavioral research, proven methodology, and 40 years of real-world experience to give moms and their kids a path to lasting success. The firm understands there are too many young parents without the skill, support, or guidance to parent. In celebration of Mother’s Day, the firm chose to help young mothers in need and support New Moms as the organization helps to fill the gaps in resources available to new parents.
Giovanni is the son of John Guzzardo, a former colleague of David’s and Carrie’s with whom they worked closely. In June of 2021, John and Giovanni, along with John’s best friend Aaron Morgan, were involved in a head-on collision. John and Aaron were pronounced dead at the scene, but by nothing less than a miracle, Giovanni survived the accident and is expected to fully recover from his injuries. John was loved by so many people, and he will be remembered by all. He was a skilled attorney and man of so many talents, who was always there for those in need. Like his dad, Giovanni is incredibly smart and has a very bright future. If you wish to help support his future education, a college fund account has been set up and all funds raised will go towards his continued education.
Leading the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Donated in memory of David’s father, Mel Goodman, who passed away five years ago from Alzheimer’s disease.
Providing hope and services to victims of domestic violence for 40 years through housing, counseling, advocacy, outreach and prevention programs. The Crisis Center for South Suburbia operates a 35-bed emergency shelter and has impacted the lives of more than 60,000 people. With a staff of more than 50 employees and a budget of over four million dollars, the Crisis Center continues to grow while offering free services to Chicago’s south suburban communities.
A community based program providing food and services to its neighbors in need. Since November West Town Feeds has provided over 15,000 meals to its neighbors who are experiencing homelessness, living in shelters, and families in need throughout Chicago.
Deborah’s Place opens doors of opportunity for women who are homeless in Chicago. Supportive housing and services offer women their key to healing, achieving their goals and moving on from the experience of homelessness. Deborah’s Place started out humbly as an overnight shelter in a church basement. Now with two program locations and more than 115 units of housing across the city, Deborah’s Place is now the largest provider of permanent supportive housing in Chicago exclusively for unaccompanied women. It serves more than 400 women a year with the goal that once a woman comes to Deborah’s Place, she will never be homeless again.
Connecting people and their communities to the extraordinary musical resources of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Through industry-leading programs that educate audiences, train musicians, and serve diverse communities, Negaunee Music Institute transforms lives through participation in music. During the global pandemic, NMI has reimagined its programming to be delivered primarily online so that children continue to have access to music education and young instrumentalists continue their musical development, as the arts are more important than ever.
As a part of The James Cancer Hospital/Solove Research Institute in Columbus, Ohio, the fund is used to support research programs in the area of oral, head, and neck cancers at The James. This donation is in honor of Dr. Sachin Jhawar and the wonderful care he has given to Bonnie’s Mom.
Located in Columbus, Ohio, Bonnie’s brother David received cancer treatment at the Bing Cancer Center for three years until he passed away in September, 2020. “The Bing” provides differentiated, compassionate cancer care by a team who works to not only treat the disease, but care for the whole person.
CAASE envisions a community free from all forms of sexual exploitation, including sexual assault and the commercial sex trade. CAASE addresses the culture, institutions, and individuals that perpetrate, profit from, or support sexual exploitation. Their work includes prevention, policy reform, community engagement, and legal services.
A partnership program between the City of Chicago, Chicago Public Schools, the philanthropic community, and community organizations, Chicago Connected provides free internet access to an estimated 100,000 students throughout Chicago. Internet connectivity is a lifeline to education and opportunity — extending learning beyond the classroom and opening pathways for development and wellbeing. With ongoing access, every student and their family — regardless of economic circumstance — will be better positioned to pursue a brighter future.
Cook County’s local food bank that provides food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in our community. Working with a network of more than 700 partner agencies and programs including food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters, The Greater Chicago Food Depository distributes more than 170,000 meals every day.
Girls around the world face barriers to receiving a quality education because they lack access to menstrual health education, adequate water, sanitation, hygiene facilities, and affordable, hygienic menstrual products. The global narrative surrounding menstruation centers on shame and secrecy. The Pad Project’s goal is to rewrite that narrative, transforming it into a source of empowerment and pride by expanding access to menstrual health products and education worldwide.
The nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization. Thanks to donations and support from businesses, government organizations, and individuals, the Feeding America network of food banks, pantries, and meal programs serve virtually every community in the United States — 40 million people, including 12 million children and 7 million seniors. Ninety eight percent of all donations raised go directly into programs serving people in need.
The United Way of Illinois and the Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations established the COVID-19 Response Fund to support local community foundations and nonprofits for the following: emergency food and basic supplies, interim housing and shelter, primary health care services, utility and financial assistance, supports for children and other vulnerable populations, and nonprofit safety and operations assistance.
The mission of the American Cancer Society is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. When cancer strikes, it hits from all sides. That’s why American Cancer Society is committed to attacking cancer from every angle. With more than 100 years of experience and leadership, American Cancer Society is a global force, fighting all cancers on all fronts, across the US and around the globe.
The region’s premier public media service and Chicago’s exclusive station for NPR programming, WBEZ’s mission is to amplify conversations that matter by telling thought-provoking stories that entertain, capture emotion and inspire action. WBEZ produces two local shows The Morning Shift and Worldview, and successfully launched three nationally acclaimed programs: This American Life, Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! (a co-production with NPR), and Sound Opinions.
Since 1991, Cara has helped people affected by poverty (including the challenges of recovery, domestic violence, episodic homelessness, and incarceration) to get and keep quality jobs. This work transforms people’s lives, and more importantly, rebuilds hope, self-esteem and opportunity for themselves and their families. Cara provides its participants with training and coaching, transitional work experiences, competitive job placements, mentoring for job retention and advancement, and ongoing support.
Inspiring and uniting youth from diverse backgrounds to become global citizens through music. Chicago Children’s Choir (CCC) is a vast network of in-school and after-school programs built to reflect the racial and economic diversity of Chicago. As a national and international touring ensemble, CCC has become a model for youth choirs throughout the world. CCC has impacted the lives of over 50,000 people throughout its 63-year history, and currently serves 5,200 students across the city of Chicago.
A public high school in the West Garfield Park neighborhood using its unique law themed curriculum and culture of high expectations to educate the city’s next generation of lawyers and leaders.
Helping keep the zoo open to the public for free 365 days a year, and supporting its conservation efforts and community outreach.
Using profits from tourism and donations to strengthen community education in Zambia, a model for responsible development and a reminder that children everywhere have the same potential and many of the same needs as kids here in Chicago.
Pursuing artistic excellence, developing new audiences for symphonic music, providing innovative education and community programs and continuing to bring great music to audiences in Chicago and around the world.
