Chicago nonprofit contributing to social good — and the fund supporting it

The Chicago Tool Library lends local businesses, nonprofits and schools thousands of items to help with repair, gardening, camping and more — but it needs support to grow.

What you need to know: The organization was recently awarded $12,500 by the Xero Beautiful Business Fund, which aims to empower small businesses and nonprofits by supporting their growth plans.

The background:

• Xero is a New Zealand–based technology company that provides cloud-based accounting software for small businesses.
• The Xero Beautiful Business Fund awarded four U.S.-based small businesses and nonprofits a portion of a $460,000 global prize to help support their goals.

The deets: The Chicago Tool Library was a winner in Xero's "Strengthening Community Connection" category.

• This category recognizes small businesses or nonprofits with a community-driven mission — one that works to support marginalized groups and contributes to social good through innovative ideas or solutions.
• Other U.S.-based winners included Sea Quester Farms (Juneau, Alaska), Ocean Conservation Research (Lagunitas, California) and Kendra Baker Veterinary Relief Services (Los Angeles, California).

🛠️ The Chicago Tool Library is a nonprofit lending library that houses thousands of items — from basic hand tools and table saws to ice cream makers and camping equipment — to promote equity and sustainability efforts in the city.

Why it's important:

• The organization's goal is to help the Windy City reshape its relationship to ownership, consumption and creativity.
• The nonprofit has grown significantly since its founding in 2019 and now serves nearly 10,000 members.

Here's what else: It recently debuted a tool lending program aimed at nonprofits and schools for whom renting, owning and storing items isn't always possible.

• This initiative has catalyzed the success of resource fairs, summer youth events and more.
• The program also played a vital role in the city's disaster relief efforts following severe rainstorms, helping recovery groups access tools for cleanup efforts.

The takeaway: The Chicago Tool Library will use its $12,500 prize to expand its community program, purchase high-demand items and increase staff capacity.

• See the other 2024 winners of Xero's Beautiful Business Fund.

Learn how The Chicago Tool Library is supporting the Windy City.