Chicago Gateway Green Committee

Introduction

The Chicago Gateway Green Committee, also known as Chicago Gateway Green, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the greening and beautification of Chicago's expressways, gateways, and neighborhoods. Established in 1986 by visionary founder Donald J. DePorter, it operates as a public-private partnership, focusing on enhancing landscape aesthetics, removing litter and graffiti, and installing public art.

Mission and Activities

The mission of Chicago Gateway Green Committee is to beautify Chicagoland's expressway system, gateways, and surrounding neighborhoods. This mission is achieved through several programs and activities:

• Expressway Partnership Program: This program collaborates with the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois, and Chicago's corporate community to transform expressways into beautifully landscaped parkways. Unlike traditional 'adopt-a-highway' programs, it develops and maintains sweeping landscapes that feature sponsor recognition.

• Landscape Enhancement and Public Art: The organization improves landscaping along expressways and installs public art, contributing to the aesthetic appeal of Chicago's infrastructure.

• Litter and Graffiti Removal: Efforts focus on maintaining cleanliness by removing litter and graffiti from expressways and gateways.

Financial Overview

As of 2023, Chicago Gateway Green Committee generated $324.8k in total revenue, reflecting a decline from previous years. Over the past nine years, the organization has seen a yearly average revenue decrease of about 4%. Expenses for 2023 totaled $516.9k, marking a modest decline of 1% annually over nine years[1]. Primary sources of revenue include contributions and net fundraising events[3].

Governance and Leadership

Chicago Gateway Green Committee operates under a board of directors composed of influential community leaders from various sectors, including business and media. As of recent data, the board included members like Grant DePorter and Lee Golub, among others[5].

Events and Fundraising

A significant fundraising event for Chicago Gateway Green is the Green Tie Ball, an annual gala that began in 1992. This event has grown to become one of Chicago's most prominent charity gatherings, featuring local restaurants and entertainment, and is attended by thousands of the city's most influential figures[2].

Classification and Status

Chicago Gateway Green Committee is classified under the NTEE code C50 for Environmental Beautification and is registered as a 501(c)(3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service, making donations tax-deductible[1][3].