With the September 30th release of Applause! drawing near, excitement is building for the Chicago Defender’s first-ever commemorative edition honoring the 25 Standout Non-Profit Leaders of Chicago and the Chicagoland area. These remarkable men and women—nominated by the community—have dedicated their lives to service, stepping in to provide food, shelter, education, healing, and hope where it is needed most.
Now, the Chicago Defender is inviting community members, businesses, and organizations to join in celebrating this inaugural class of honorees in a visible, powerful way. This is your chance to align yourself with the very best of Chicago—leaders whose tireless efforts keep neighborhoods safe, lift families out of hardship, and create opportunities for future generations.
By placing a congratulatory ad or sponsoring the publication, you do more than purchase space in a magazine. You stand shoulder to shoulder with those who put others first. You send a public message that you value service, equity, and progress. And you ensure that these leaders—and their missions—are sustained, amplified, and recognized far beyond their daily reach.
“These leaders are the heartbeat of our community,” said Dyanna Knight Lewis, Publisher of the Chicago Defender. “When you support Applause!, you’re not only recognizing their work—you’re helping ensure that their missions continue to thrive. You’re showing them, and the thousands of people they serve, that their efforts matter and that their city stands with them.”
This commemorative publication is also the perfect platform for non-profit organizations themselves to showcase their own work. By participating in Applause!, non-profits can highlight their programs, share their stories, and connect with new partners and supporters. In doing so, they join a powerful chorus of voices dedicated to advancing the health, well-being, and prosperity of Chicago and the Chicagoland area.
The window of opportunity is short, and space is limited. Don’t wait—secure your place in this historic publication today. Whether through a congratulatory message, a showcase of your organization, or a sponsorship, your support will uplift the leaders who uplift us all.
To secure your ad placement, review the sponsorship packet or connect directly with Publisher Dyanna Knight Lewis. Together, let’s ensure that the legacy of these Standout Non-Profit Leaders is celebrated and supported for years to come.
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