What is Chicago Cause?

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

Together we’ve donated over $968,000 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!

Logo for "Chicago Cause" featuring an orange star over a black and white cityscape.

What are the Chicago Cause prizes?

A new website which includes:

  • Website design + development, copywriting, content entry, digital strategy consulting, GA4 setup and review, a keyword assessment and content “fan out” strategy plus free hosting for the life of the website from Orbit Media Studios, valued at $65,000.

Digital marketing strategy, which may include:

  • SEO, content and paid media strategies from Digital Third Coast, valued at $25,000.

Grand total = $90,000

 

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 in the fall of 2026. If you want to be notified when applications open, you can sign up for our newsletter or check back here anytime.

Congratulations to the 2025 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 $65,000.

  • SiteStayRead
    SitStayRead is a non-profit organization that uses an engaging, evidence-based curriculum, skilled staff, trained volunteers, and Certified Reading Assistance Dogs to advance the literacy skills of kindergarten through third-grade students in the city of Chicago. They serve Chicago schools and community-based organizations where 90% of students live in low-income households or are housing insecure and 60% of third graders score below the national reading average.

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

  • Envision Unlimited
    Envision Unlimited provides people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health issues quality services and supportive housing that promote choice, independence, and inclusion.

Grand Total = $90,000

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.