BUILD Chicago Email Format
Non-profit OrganizationsIllinois, United States51-200 Employees
BUILD Chicago is a non-profit organization based in Chicago, Illinois, that has operated since 1969 with a focus on at-risk youth in some of the city’s toughest neighborhoods. The organization employs a model of positive youth development to redirect gang-affiliated youth and potential recruits toward constructive life paths, aiming to reduce violence and increase community safety while expanding educational and career opportunities for participants. Its efforts emphasize leadership development and the creation of positive life plans, and they report long-term impact through programs that have helped tens of thousands of young people pursue more productive, fulfilling lives. The work targets youth and communities affected by gang activity, and the organization positions itself within the broader non-profit sector by addressing root causes rather than only responding to incidents, supported by a history of partnerships and community collaboration. A notable recent development involves a collaboration with other organizations to advance security and community projects in the region.