Nationwide — Chancellor Bennet (better knowns as Chance the Rapper) is a Chicago native who has used his success within the music industry to help the city he calls home. The citizens of Chicago have a special place for Chance in their hearts due to all his charitable efforts—they widely regard him as a pillar of support within the community. Even though there’s no way to fully sum up how Chance the Rapper gives back to Chicago, we’ve put together a quick timeline of his good deeds over the years.
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• Launched #SaveChicago – an anti-violence campaign that aims to silence violent activity during one of the most statistically violent points of the year.
2015
• The Get Schooled Program raised $100,000. Chance along with other contributors were able to provide six elementary schools with new technology.
• Teamed up with The Empowerment Plan. The partnership launched the Warmest Winter project, which provides self-heating, water-resistant jackets to the homeless. These jackets can also covert into sleeping bags.
• Chance started hosting open mic nights as a creative outlet for young artists at the Chicago Cultural Center.
2016
• Led fans to the voting polls after a free concert to encourage Chicago citizens to vote during the November 2016 election. More than 7,000 people joined him.
• Teamed up with STATE Bags to donate 30,000 backpacks to children residing in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
• Launched SocialWorks Chicago. This program empowers youth through art, education, and civic engagement.
2017
• Formed a partnership with Lyft that lets riders round up their fare; the extra change goes toward the New Chance: Arts & Literature fund.
• Donated $1 million of his own personal earnings toward the Chicago Public School Foundation. At the same time, he called upon businesses and corporations to donate money. He promised that for every $100,000 donated, he’ll add an additional $10,000. Within that month alone Chance’s fundraising efforts brought in $2.2 million.
2018
• Partnered with the Great Wolf Lodge in the suburb of Gurnee to create a summer camp for city kids. The program is called Kids of the Kingdom and is in the works to become an annual event.
• Produced and headlined the Special Olympics 50th Anniversary concert and shed some light on the Special Olympics athletes of Chicago
• Announced he will host the first ever Twilight Awards. Twilight Awards will be given to teachers, parents, principals, and students who convey leadership.
• Pledges $1 million toward mental health in the city through his new initiative under the SocialWorks foundation My State of Mind.
At just 24-years old, Chance has done an impressive amount of work for the city of Chicago. The honest, hard-working musician is an example of how one’s success can be used to create a serious impact within communities around the world. Join Chance and his proactive efforts by donating or volunteering with SocialWorks Chicago today.