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Black United Fund Of Illinois (BUFI)


The Black United Fund of Illinois is a non-profit, tax-exempt federated organization and a social movement designed to improve the quality of life for African Americans through reliance on self-help at the local community level. At the root of this philosophy is the statewide goal of developing systematic mechanisms to rally resources for the African American community.
Henry L. English
President/CEO
Black United Fund of Illinois
 
In 1985, the Black United Fund of Illinois (BUFI) became the sixteenth independent affiliate of the National Black United Fund (NBUF). BUFI has continued to develop the idea of charitable fundraising in African American communities; an old and honorable tradition dating back to the Prince Hall Masons.

The current President/CEO, Henry L. English, is supported by a board consisting of nineteen (19) members and lead by its Chairman, Robert Starks, Ph.D. The board represents a cross section of the African American community.

BUFI’s purpose for existing is to provide philanthropic support to projects and programs that address their efforts to the critical needs of African American communities. Among these needs are the effects of federal, state, and local budget cuts in Chicago and across the state. These cuts have devastated many communities turning them into economic and social disaster areas; African American communities are often the hardest hit.

 
 
CONNECTS:
A) Safety: Provide South Shore youth with a safe and secure environment that fosters healthy growth and development.
 
B) Success: Provide South Shore youth with improved opportunities for success by strengthing efforts to increase graduation and employment  rates.Provide South Shore youth with  opportunities to maximize their skills,interest, and abilities
 
C) Access:Develop and enhance actvities designed to increase access to education recreation, employment and spiritual guidance opportunities in South Shore for youth and their families.
 
GOALS:
To address a wide range of individual, family and community factors that keep young people from reaching their full potential by providing services, interventions and supports that will build healthy enviroments which allow youth to thrive; to promote youth engagement and leadership in all aspects of the initiative