Who Benefits?

Why should I walk in the 2008 Hike for History? Who benefits from the contributions I raise?  

Impact of the Hike for History

Most nonprofits struggle to raise sufficient funds for their core programs and the Chicago Metro History Education Center is no exception. Securing support for the organization's central program - the Chicago Metro History Fair - is among our biggest challenges because most foundations do not fund ongoing history education programs like the History Fair. The Chicago Metro History Fair is not a government- or school-sponsored program, it is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that depends on community support.

Individual contributions like yours are the key to ensure a strong and healthy future for the Chicago Metro History Fair and its students and teachers. Nationwide, more than 80% of nonprofit support comes from individuals. Events like the Hike for History use the passion of History Fair participants and their supporters to generate the funds we need to continue working for you. When walkers tap into extended networks of friends and families and communicate why they believe the History Fair is important, small individual contributions add up.

Who Benefits?

The students and teachers of the Chicago metropolitan area are the beneficiaries of your support. Each year, over 20,000 students in grades 6-12 and 500 teachers participate in the Chicago Metro History Fair at the classroom level. Schools from across the socioeconomic and demographic spectrum participate in the History Fair, with approximately two-thirds of its participants coming from low-income backgrounds. CMHEC is committed to keeping costs down in order to ensure that all students can benefit from the History Fair experience.

How Are My Contributions Used?

Hike for History contributions directly support the Chicago Metro History Fair and its students and teachers. The majority of these funds support costs associated with the regional History Fair competitions. CMHEC coordinates six academic competitions each year where students present their finished projects. Through these public events, students receive recognition for their academic accomplishments, feedback from community volunteers, and may advance to state or national events. In order to offer these competitions, CMHEC needs at least $125,000 each year. Hike for History funds also support classroom presentations, workshops, individual coaching, and other services offered to help students and teachers with their History Fair journeys.

Space is limited – register early!

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