What is Chicago Cause?

Chicago Cause began as a philanthropic partnership between Orbit Media and Digital Third Coast.

Together we’ve donated over $800,000 in marketing services including web design, digital marketing, SEO and content strategy to local Chicago nonprofits. Through this cause, we strive to strengthen and serve Chicago nonprofits so that they can continue to do great things in the city we love!

What are the Chicago Cause prizes?

A new website. This includes website design + development, copywriting, content entry, digital strategy consulting, and GA4 setup and review from Orbit Media Studios, plus free website hosting for the life of the website, valued at $60,000.
Digital marketing strategy, which may include SEO, content and paid media strategies from Digital Third Coast, valued at $25,000.

Can my organization apply for Chicago Cause?

In order to qualify for Chicago Cause your organization must:

be in the Chicagoland area (Chicago + Suburbs)
be a 501(c)3 organization
demonstrate financial need for web and marketing services to serve a philanthropic cause
have a desire to improve the Chicago community

When do applications open?

We will be opening applications on October 2nd. You can sign up for our newsletter if you want to be notified when applications open.

Congratulations to the 2024 Chicago Cause winners!

On behalf of Chicago Cause, we would like to thank all the applicants for participating in this year’s Chicago Cause. We thank you for all that you do to make Chicago a better place!

The Chicago Cause winners are…

A new website. This includes website design + development, copywriting, content entry, digital strategy consulting, and GA4 setup and review from Orbit Media Studios, plus free website hosting for the life of the website, valued at $60,000.

Awakenings: At Awakenings, they firmly believe that art has the power to transform trauma into healing. Sexual violence is a pervasive societal issue, but the resources available to those who experience it are scarce. For 14 years, Awakenings has provided free, trauma-informed art programs for anyone impacted by sexual violence. They have helped over 500 survivors of sexual violence in just the past year.

Digital marketing strategy, which may include SEO, content and paid media strategies from Digital Third Coast, valued at $25,000.

Respiratory Health Association: RHA is a local public health leader serving Chicago since 1906. RHA’s mission is prevent lung disease, promote clean air and help people live better through education, research and policy changes. RHA believes in healthy lungs and clean air for all.

Grand Total = $85,000

Previous Chicago Cause winners

Check out the detailed, full list of past winners here.

CHAMPS Male Mentoring

Bernie’s Book Bank

Chicago CRED

Chicago Cause winner

Off the Street Club

15% increase in donations key event rate

Illinois Science Council

Chicago Cause winner

One desktop-sized screenshot, and one mobile-sized screenshot of CAWC.

Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC)

Want to be notified about next year’s Chicago Cause?

If you are a Chicago nonprofit and want to be notified about Chicago Cause, sign up for our newsletter. We’ll let you know when applications are open. Let’s continue to make Chicago a better place together.

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