Countdown to Bright Promises' 150th Anniversary

In 1869, a group of luminary and forward thinking community leaders including Marshall Field, Belden F. Culver, John B. Sherman (co-founder of the Union Stock Yards), and John G. Shortall (founder of Chicago Title & Trust) came together to form the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty Against Children and Animals. These leaders in child advocacy dedicated themselves to providing a voice and assistance to those who need society's protection most.

After nearly 150 years, we carry on their mission today to ensure that every child, regardless of their background or circumstance, has the chance at a better life and brighter future as the Bright Promises Foundation.

Throughout our long history, we have remained responsive to children's most pressing needs and stayed on the forefront of addressing some of the most complex and entrenched issues impacting children and families. We have partnered with more than 150 child-serving organizations and continue to build new partnerships every year.

Every child-serving organization wants to provide the best possible services to the families they serve. Very often there are significant barriers that can prevent organizations from being able to provide those services. We continue to help organizations to address those barriers and create lasting and sustainable change that results in better services for children and families. 

By providing strategic funding and professional program support, we remain dedicated to helping our partners better serve more children and families

In 2016, we were thrilled to launch the Countdown to 150 campaign, which will include numerous special events and new initiatives and will culminate in the celebration of Bright Promises Foundation's 150th anniversary in 2019. The Countdown to 150 campaign will continue this year with more fun and free events.

Want to get involved? Consider joining the 150 Anniversary Committee and use your event planning, marketing and fundraising skills to help support high-quality programs for at-risk kids. To learn more, please email katherine.dreher@brightpromises.org.