greater river north foundation

The Greater River North Foundation is deeply committed to nurturing the vitality of our community by funding initiatives that celebrate its uniqueness, foster creativity, and provide tangible support to individuals and businesses alike.

Foundation Mission

The Greater River North Foundation is deeply committed to strengthening the vitality of our community by investing in initiatives that celebrate what makes River North unique, foster creativity, and deliver meaningful, on-the-ground support to the people and businesses that fuel our neighborhood.

Through targeted grantmaking, we help emerging businesses take the next step—supporting growth, stability, and job creation. We also champion efforts that beautify and enhance the public realm, from placemaking and aesthetic improvements to projects that make River North more welcoming for residents, workers, and visitors.

In partnership with local stakeholders, we support River North restaurants and hospitality businesses through initiatives that elevate their visibility, drive foot traffic, and reinforce the district’s reputation as a premier dining destination. And because a thriving neighborhood must also be a safe and well-maintained one, we fund safety-focused programs and clean-up initiatives that promote a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant River North for everyone.

Octoberfeast​

OctoberFeast helps restaurants in a very direct way: it drives immediate foot traffic by bringing hundreds of guests into their venue in a single night—many of whom are first-time visitors—introducing them to the restaurant’s atmosphere, menu, and service and encouraging future return visits.
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Greater River North Foundation Initiatives

Through targeted grantmaking, we help emerging businesses take the next step—supporting growth, stability, and job creation. We also champion efforts that beautify and enhance the public realm, from placemaking and aesthetic improvements to projects that make River North more welcoming for residents

Farmers Market

Through the Greater River North Foundation, we’re able to help make the River North Farmers Market possible, creating a welcoming weekly gathering that brings neighbors together and gives small businesses, local growers, and makers a high-visibility place to sell their products and build loyal customers. It adds energy to the neighborhood, supports local entrepreneurship, and helps strengthen the community’s sense of place.
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Octoberfeast

OctoberFeast helps restaurants in a very direct way: it drives immediate foot traffic by bringing hundreds of guests into their venue in a single night—many of whom are first-time visitors—introducing them to the restaurant’s atmosphere, menu, and service and encouraging future return visits.
Learn More
Donate

Murals

Through the Greater River North Foundation, we’ve helped bring vibrant murals to life in River North—beautification projects that transform blank walls into neighborhood landmarks and celebrate the energy and creativity of our community. With continued support, we can commission more murals throughout River North to enhance public spaces, strengthen community pride, and make the neighborhood even more welcoming for residents, visitors, and local businesses.
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Future Initiatives

Looking ahead, the Foundation is helping lay the groundwork for a dedicated commercial Special Service Area (SSA), which would provide long-term resources to support beautification and security throughout River North. By supporting this gala, donors are helping us deliver immediate impact today while building a stronger, safer, and more beautiful River North for years to come.

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