StrengtheningNeighborhoods.EmpoweringYoung People.

Chicago Area Project supports local organizations that serve young people and families across Chicagoland.

Explore our communities Partner with CAP
Working with Chicago communities since the 1930s.
Young Chicago community members smiling together, with CAP embroidered on the boys' hoodies
31Communitieswith activities and events in 2025-2026
12,226People reachedduring the 2025-2026 fiscal year
205Community partnerslinked across the network
6,372Activities & eventsreported by affiliates during the service year

People reached and community partner figures reflect the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

Our mission

Community self-help.
Lasting local change.

CAP was built on a straightforward belief: people who live in a community should help shape the work that happens there.

To work toward the prevention and eradication of juvenile delinquency through the development and support of affiliated local community self-help efforts in communities where the need is greatest.

Read the fuller organizational context, CAP's philosophy and the structure of its affiliate network on the About page.

Read CAP's full mission See how the mission took shape

Our regional network

Local Leadership.
Regional Reach.

CAP supports community-rooted organizations throughout Chicago and the surrounding region, helping local leaders respond to priorities identified by the people who live there.

Explore all communities
CAP communities we serveChicago neighborhoods and regional partner communities
Chicagoland map highlighting Chicago Area Project communities
Explore WaukeganExplore Albany ParkExplore Humboldt ParkExplore West TownExplore West Garfield ParkExplore East Garfield ParkExplore Near West SideExplore PilsenExplore North LawndaleExplore Brighton ParkExplore New CityExplore Gage ParkExplore West LawnExplore Chicago LawnExplore Greater Grand CrossingExplore South ShoreExplore AshburnExplore Auburn GreshamExplore ChathamExplore South ChicagoExplore RoselandExplore PullmanExplore Altgeld GardensExplore MaywoodExplore CiceroExplore RobbinsExplore JolietExplore Hazel CrestExplore Chicago HeightsExplore Ford HeightsExplore Summit
Choose a community
Select a gold marker or choose a community above to explore CAP’s network.

What communities make possible

Programs Across the Network

Young people leading a peace march outside Cicero Town Hall

Developing Young Leaders

Mentoring, leadership, academic support and opportunities that help young people build confidence and lead change.

Explore programs
Young people learning fishing skills with a community mentor

Building Safe & Healthy Communities

Prevention, wellness and community engagement that promote safety, health and well-being for all.

Explore programs
Young people learning practical skills in a community workshop

Creating Economic Opportunity

Workforce development, training and employment programs that open doors to stable, meaningful careers.

Explore programs

2025-2026 service year

Results
From
The Year

10,000

Coats distributed across Cook, Will and Lake counties during the service year

See the outcome
45

East Garfield Park students completing a summer work experience

View community
115

Young performers featured in a sold-out Greater Grand Crossing showcase

View community
Young people and adult supporters gathered at a CAP community event
The numbers matter. The stories show how the work took shape.

Explore current network evidence and six cases drawn from CAP's service-year records and program highlights.

Explore impact and evidence

These figures are tied to specific reported activities and events. Visit Impact & Evidence for network totals and definitions.

For funders and partners

Back a Network
Already at Work

During FY2026, CAP affiliates reported 6,372 activities and events, supported by 205 community partners. Investment helps local leaders sustain that reach while strengthening follow-through and longer-term outcomes.

Youth voice in delivery

Young people help plan, lead and evaluate work that affects their peers.

Multiple entry points

A workshop, committee or event can become a longer pathway to support.

Immediate to long term

Present needs connect youth and families with leadership, wellness and opportunity.

Community-wide value

Young people carry knowledge, resources and leadership into their neighborhoods.

Review current evidenceExplore youth investmentTalk with our team

Build Stronger Communities With Us.

Fund the workMake an investment in our communities.Partner with CAPWork together to create lasting change.VolunteerShare your time and talents.GiveEvery gift helps change a life.

Stay Connected

Sign up for news, stories and opportunities from across the CAP network.