#LightTheWay
Our Mission and Vision
Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland (LF) is a Black LGBTQ+-led, multiracial social justice organization that advances justice for Black LGBTQ+ people across Chicagoland through empowerment, education, and entertainment.
Our model is built around three interconnected domains:
Physical Wellness
Honoring and caring for our bodies as a foundation for both long-term health and safety.
Spiritual Wellness
Healing from isolation, trauma, and cultural disconnection while building community, joy, and mental well-being.
Economic Wellness
Shifting power and creating opportunity through workforce development, skill-building, and economic empowerment.
These domains work together to address immediate needs and dismantle long-standing barriers.
About #LightTheWay
#LightTheWay is our holiday fundraising campaign that partners with small businesses to raise funds that directly fuel our programs. By participating, your business can:
Engage your customers in a meaningful cause.
Demonstrate your commitment to progressing equity and inclusion.
Support life-changing programs for Black LGBTQ+ individuals in Chicagoland.
About #LightTheWay
#LightTheWay is our holiday fundraising campaign that partners with small businesses to raise funds that directly fuel our programs. By participating, your business can:
Engage your customers in a meaningful cause.
Demonstrate your commitment to progressing equity and inclusion.
Support life-changing programs for Black LGBTQ+ individuals in Chicagoland.
Your Support in Action
Your sponsorship helps Lighthouse Foundation continue to offer free, community-centered events that advance physical, spiritual, and economic wellness:
Workforce Development Conference – Free LinkedIn trainings, resume reviews, and professional workshops.
Self-Care Recharge Events – Moments of reflection, celebration, and affirmation fostering spiritual wellness through joy, belonging, and radical love.
Community Resource Events – Connecting people to vital health services and pathways to economic empowerment.
Bars, Cafés & Restaurants
Signature Drink or Dish – Donate $1–$3 from a featured holiday beverage or meal selection.
Example: In 2024 Antique Taco (Chicago) donated a portion of every Pride Margarita, helping fund community wellness events.
Ways Your Business Can Participate
Live Entertainment & Arts
Ticketed Benefit Events – Host a performance or show with proceeds benefiting Lighthouse.
Example: “Our Drag Means Slay” in Spring 2025 used a drag showcase to fundraise, combining artistry, joy, and activism.
Fitness & Wellness Providers
Class Proceeds for a Cause – Pledge a portion of sales from a special class or series.
Example: In Pride 2025, Onyx Pilates donated part of their class proceeds.
Services for a Cause – Pledge a percentage of sales for select services or packages.
Example: Donated spa services based on select package purchase or 15% donation with sales in December.
Retailers & Artisans
Limited Edition Product – Release a special product with a percentage of sales donated.
Example: The Tie Bar partnered with Brave Space Alliance on a Pride collection, using fashion to promote visibility and raise funds.
Benefits for Partners
As a #LightTheWay Sponsor, your business will receive:
PR & Media Recognition – Featured in a holiday press campaign as a #LightTheWay sponsor.
Marketing Tools – Access to graphics, social media templates, and online tools to showcase your support.
Community Presence – Opportunity to table or be mentioned at future Lighthouse events.
Proud Supporter Branding – Window decal and digital badge to display year-round.
Next Steps
1. Decide how you’d like to participate.
2. Confirm your partnership with our team by filling out the form below.
3. Receive promotional support and recognition.
4. Join Us & #LightTheWay
