Choose Chicago Foundation

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Inspiring and serving the next generation of hospitality and tourism leaders locally and beyond.

The Choose Chicago Foundation strategically promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives that benefit youth, community, and workforce development. The Foundation will offer financial support and long-term training opportunities for ethnically and economically diverse communities for advancement within the hospitality and tourism industry.

The Foundation is the official non-profit affiliate of Choose Chicago, the destination marketing organization for the city of Chicago, responsible for marketing the greater Chicago area as a business, meetings/convention, and leisure visitor destination. Choose Chicago is a partner-based organization, with nearly 1,500 members within the local hospitality and tourism industry.

Scholarships

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Events & updates

Choose Chicago Foundation scholarships

The Choose Chicago Foundation scholarship application process is now closed. Please check back Fall 2025 to apply for the 2026 scholarships or contact contact scholarships@choosechicago.com with any questions.

Future Leader Award scholarship opportunities for tourism and hospitality students

The Choose Chicago Future Leader Award is a merit-based opportunity that recognizes students who demonstrate their commitment and passion for the hospitality and tourism industries.

Learn more

W. Bill Williams Trailblazer Scholarships for high school students

Our newly developed W. Bill Williams Trailblazer Scholarships aim to expand the Choose Chicago Foundation’s current scholarship offerings by awarding funds specifically targeting talented high school students residing in ethnically and economically diverse communities in Chicago.

Each scholarship recipient will be awarded $5,000 annually, for up to four consecutive years upon completion of criteria for renewable scholarships.

Learn more Recipients

Jim Reilly Reformer Scholarships for college students

The Jim Reilly Reformer Scholarship aims to expand the Choose Chicago Foundation’s current scholarship offerings by awarding funds specifically targeting talented college students from ethnically and economically diverse communities.

Each scholarship recipient will be awarded $5,000 annually, for up to four consecutive years upon completion of criteria for renewable scholarships.

Learn more Recipients

Choose Chicago Student Tourism Day Program

Student Tourism Days

Choose Chicago developed student tourism days after listening to education and community leaders share many students in underrepresented communities lack opportunities to venture outside their neighborhood. This could perpetuate a gap in understanding the many career pathways available in Tourism and Hospitality.

This program helps to bridge the gap by providing introductions on career pathways and hands on exploration for high school and college students to a variety of venues and hospitality partners in neighborhoods and downtown Chicago. Students are invited to interact with hospitality leaders including diverse representation, and they are provided breakfast and lunch for the day.

Student Tourism Day Sponsor: CIBC

Student Tourism Day Partners: Chicago Scholars, The Art Institute, Willis Tower Skydeck, Boka Restaurant Group, Kilwin’s, United Center, Show Strategy, Guaranteed Rate, House of Blues & Brent Rolland/Fig Media, LondonHouse Chicago, DuSable Museum, McCormick Place

View our news feature

Get involved & Donate

Donate to the Choose Chicago Foundation

The work of the Choose Chicago Foundation would not be possible without the generous support of the Board of Directors, local businesses, community leaders, educators, and Choose Chicago partners.

Each of these entities recognizes the significance of investing time, expertise, and resources to support the development of youth and young adults in our community.

Thank you for partnering with the Choose Chicago Foundation! Together, we make a difference.

Donate now

Get involved and inspire the next generation

Looking to get involved with the Choose Chicago Foundation?

Become a mentor and share your expertise. Choose Chicago Foundation W. Bill Williams and Jim Reilly scholarship awardees will be paired with a mentor.
Host an internship or fellowship for the W. Bill Williams and Jim Reilly scholarship awardees.
Become a partner with the Choose Chicago Foundation.

Choose Chicago Foundation Events

Signature Fundraising Event
October 14, 2025 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Chicago Architecture Center

Join Choose Chicago and the Choose Chicago Foundation for an unforgettable evening celebrating our community! Guests will enjoy an evening of local food and drinks while experiencing the iconic Chicago Architecture Center, all in support of the future of Chicago’s hospitality and tourism industry

Support the Choose Chicago Foundation and help make a lasting impact!

Contact us to learn more.

Get Tickets

This year, we have some delightful raffle prizes up for grabs! Purchase $20 raffle tickets for your chance to win hotel stays, culinary experiences, theater tickets and more! Winners will be announced at the Choose Chicago Foundation Signature Fundraising event, but you don’t need to be present to win.

Available Packages

A night of Historic luxury, Chicago Style

Package Value: $1070

Step back in time for a glamorous weekend in Chicago. Enjoy a two-night hotel stay at the iconic Palmer House Hilton Hotel, one of the city’s most storied landmarks, and dine at Gene & Georgetti — Chicago’s oldest steakhouse, serving guests for over 80 years. Conclude your getaway with an unforgettable evening with Broadway in Chicago.

2-night stay at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel
Dinner for two gift certificate to Gene & Georgetti (Value $200)
(2) tickets to “A Beautiful Noise” at Broadway in Chicago

Wind down weekend

Package Value: $1,125

Spend two relaxing nights at Loews Chicago Hotel and enjoy two PRP Home Wine Tastings, perfect for entertaining friends or enjoying an evening at home.

2-night stay at Loews Chicago hotel
(2) PRP in home wine tasting packages for up to 12 people with 8 different wines

Fired up fun

Package Value: $1,250

Cheer on the Chicago Fire with four club-level tickets to a home game and receive an authentic 2025 team-signed jersey as the ultimate keepsake. Pair the excitement with a seafood feast at Lowcountry in the South Loop, then relax in style with a stay at the Marriott Marquis Chicago.

(4) Club level tickets to a Chicago Fire game
Authentic 2025 team-signed jersey
$100 giftcard to Lowcountry (South Loop location)
1-night stay in a Classic Suite plus Mclub access for two @ Marriott Marquis Chicago

A Chicago Foodie Adventure

Package Value: $1,200

Discover Chicago’s vibrant food scene with this ultimate culinary experience. Enjoy VIP access to First Bites Bash and a private Eden Chef Experience for an unforgettable meal, then complete the adventure with dinner at Tzuco and Good Funk, featuring bold flavors and natural wines.

(2) VIP Tickets to First Bites Bash (Kick-off event to 2026 Chicago Restaurant Week)
Eden Chef experience for up to (four) ppl. Includes a four-course meal with wine pairings and a greenhouse tour led by Partner and Chief Culinary Officer Chef Devon Quinn
$100 giftcard to Tzuco
$100 giftcard to Good Funk

City escape + Downtown Delights

Package Value: $1,200

Treat yourself to a weekend in the city! Relax with a stay at the Fairmont Hotel near Millennium Park, enjoy dining and drinks at The Hampton Social and Seville, and experience live music at the iconic House of Blues.