Principal Karen Calloway actively seeks additional funding for Kenwood Academy. The school has increased revenue by renting facilities to churches, nonprofits, and sports leagues. Kenwood also benefits from a parent group’s fundraising efforts. In fiscal year 2025, the school utilized $418,983 in external funds, up from around $90,000 in 2021. These funds support athletics, clubs, and college tours.
Fundraising supplements Chicago Public School (CPS) funding, a necessity as the district faces financial challenges. In 2025, CPS campuses spent $48 million in independently raised revenue, a 78% increase since 2021. Despite financial hurdles, some Chicago schools, including those in wealthier North Side areas, excel in sourcing external funds. This income increasingly covers essential needs, not just extras.
The Role of Larger Schools
Amundsen High School has historically sourced funds for nonessential items. However, changes in funding have led the school to rely more heavily on fundraising for essential expenses. In 2025, Amundsen allocated $894,000 from fundraising, cell tower income, and grants for staff salaries. This income represents about 5% of its budget. The school adjusted to attract more families from affluent neighborhoods, tightening budgets as a result.
Fundraising Challenges and Responses
Kenwood Academy, predominantly serving low-income Black students, has significantly increased fundraising efforts. Parent group leaders like Ramona Burress have revitalized fundraising activities. The school raises additional funds through sales of “spiritwear” and aims to engage alumni and local businesses further. Kenwood hopes to bridge budget gaps through these efforts.
Other schools, such as Dyett High School and Corliss High School, follow a similar path, significantly increasing their outside revenue streams since 2021. This external funding supports programs historically underfunded in higher-need areas.
District Encouragement and Future Directions
CPS officials encourage schools to generate independent revenue through facility rentals and fundraising. However, this approach presents challenges for schools with less fundraising experience. While fundraising provides crucial financial support, it cannot fully compensate for reduced government funding. Schools like Whitney Young now fund staff positions with fundraising dollars, highlighting the importance of external funds.
“To think you can tap these dollars to support all students who have needs is simply not realistic,” says Lauren Sartain of a 2023 Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago study.