At Junior Chefs Kitchen, community is one of our core values. We believe in helping children understand not just how to cook, but how to care for their community, for others, and for the world around them.
Our primary giving efforts are centered around our partnership with Nourishing Hope, where our owner, Niki, serves as Vice President of the Executive Board. Through this work, we are able to make a meaningful and ongoing impact in the fight against food insecurity in Chicago.
Our community initiatives may include:
We also look for ways, both big and small, to support our broader community when opportunities arise.
Giving back is an extension of what we teach every day, sharing, contributing, and showing up for others. Through our Junior Chefs Community Grant Program, we aim to support local schools and nonprofit organizations that are creating meaningful experiences for children.
This program provides in-kind donations to help bring hands-on learning, cooking, and enrichment opportunities to more kids across Chicago, especially those who may not otherwise have access.
Grants may include:
*Supplies or materials for cooking or educational programming (up to 2 schools up to $500 each)
*Scholarships for after-school cooking programs (up to 3 new schools up to 3 children per session per school, valued at $840 each)
Grant requests will be reviewed based on community need and our ability to fulfill them. Our goal is to support impactful, thoughtful programs that align with our values.
Please Apply HERE for the upcoming season.
Deadline to apply is April 30th; awards given for the Fall 2026 School Year.
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Register for Dia de los Muertos pop-up: taco bar & kids make & decorate sugar skulls
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