Project H.O.O.D.
Project H.O.O.D. is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating five program pillars — violence prevention, workforce development, youth, health, and re-entry — serving 15,000+ Woodlawn residents annually with free services funded by donations and grants.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersChicago, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Project H.O.O.D. does
Project H.O.O.D. (Helping Others Obtain Destiny) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2012 by Pastor Corey B. Brooks in Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood, operating five interconnected program pillars: Violence Prevention, Workforce Development, Youth Programming, Health & Wellness, and Re-Entry Services. The organization serves 15,000+ participants annually with all services delivered at no cost, funded through individual donations, foundation grants, and corporate partnerships (including JPMorgan Chase, Wintrust, and Robert R. McCormick Foundation as lead LEO Center naming donor). Outcomes reported in the input include a 31% reduction in gun homicides in the 60637 ZIP code, 72% six-month workforce retention at a $19/hr average starting wage, and 140+ violence incidents mediated annually. The organization is building a 90,000 sq ft Leadership & Economic Opportunity Center (LEO Center) on S. King Drive, scheduled to open Fall 2026 at a $45M total project cost ($38M, or 84%, raised as of the latest reporting).
Project H.O.O.D. firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Project H.O.O.D.
- Legal name
- Project H.O.O.D.
- Website
- https://projecthood.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Project H.O.O.D. is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating five program pillars — violence prevention, workforce development, youth, health, and re-entry — serving 15,000+ Woodlawn residents annually with free services funded by donations and grants.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Project H.O.O.D. industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Community Social Services
- NAICS
- Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Dropout Prevention, Alternative Education & Re-Engagement Nonprofits (BPAGADAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG), Social Justice & Human Rights Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAN), Interagency Coordination & Case Management (VR, DD, Medicaid Waivers) (EDAKANAM)
Keywords
Where Project H.O.O.D. is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chicago
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Project H.O.O.D. business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Individual Donations: One-time or monthly gifts through NetworkForGood platform. Every dollar stays in Woodlawn with no national overhead or middle layer.
- Walk With Us! Campaign: Nationwide peer-to-peer fundraising campaign targeting $25M for youth, families, and LEO Center. Supports mentorship, youth development, violence prevention, and economic opportunity.
- Brick by Brick Walkway: Named gift program with brick engraving in LEO Center Walkway of Destiny at multiple price points ($2,500-$100,000). Legacy opportunity for donors.
- Corporate Partnerships: Matching gifts, employee volunteer days, sponsored cohorts, and in-kind donations from corporate partners including JPMorgan Chase, Wintrust, and others.
- Foundation Grants: Multi-year program funding from foundations including Robert R. McCormick Foundation (lead gift for LEO Center), and grant funding for specific programs.
- Stock & Securities Donations: Appreciated stock donations through DonateStock platform or direct broker transfer, allowing donors to avoid capital gains while claiming full market value deduction.
- Planned Giving: Bequests in wills, IRA/retirement account beneficiary designations, life insurance beneficiary designations, and charitable remainder trusts for legacy giving.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | Walkway of Destiny brick naming opportunities at multiple levels |
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | LEO Center capital campaign naming opportunities |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Free services to community participants |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels8 records
Project H.O.O.D. product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Project H.O.O.D. (Helping Others Obtain Destiny) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization that delivers five integrated social service programs in Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood: violence prevention, workforce development, youth programming, health and wellness, and re-entry services. All programs are offered free of charge to community members and are funded through donations, grants, and a capital campaign supporting the 90,000 sq ft LEO Center opening Fall 2026.
Product overview
Project H.O.O.D. operates as a community nonprofit organization offering five interconnected social service programs rather than a traditional software product. The five core programs—Violence Prevention, Workforce Development, Youth Programming, Health & Wellness, and Re-Entry Services—work interlockingly to address community needs holistically. These programs are coordinated through case management via Social Solutions Apricot and are being consolidated into the LEO Center (Leadership & Economic Opportunity Center), a 90,000 sq ft facility opening Fall 2026 that will serve as the permanent home for all programming. The organization does not offer a technology product or software platform.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Violence Prevention Program Community-based violence interruption services using credible messengers and conflict mediators embedded in the Woodlawn neighborhood. Includes a 24/7 community response team, hospital-based intervention in partnership with University of Chicago Medicine, school-based mediators, and peace circles for young men ages 16-24.
- Workforce Development Program Comprehensive job training and placement services in construction, tech, and skilled trades. Includes a Pre-Apprenticeship Construction cohort with OSHA-30 certification, direct-hire employer partnerships with trade unions such as Chicago Roofers Union and IBEW Local 130, and career development support with an average starting wage of $19/hr.
- Youth Programming Entrepreneurship training, after-school tutoring, academic support, college and career readiness coaching, mentorship, and summer internship placement for K-12 youth in Woodlawn. Partners with Chicago Public Schools and hosts the annual Trunk Party sending 300+ seniors to college.
- Health & Wellness Program Free medical access, mental health counseling, recovery navigation, senior programming, and crisis response services for uninsured and underinsured residents. Includes the Southside Free Clinic collaboration with University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and Friend Health (FQHC), operating on the 1st and 3rd Sundays at New Beginnings Church.
- Re-Entry Services Wraparound support for individuals returning from incarceration including job readiness training, job placement, housing navigation, individual counseling, mentorship from people with lived experience, and connection to community resources. Includes the Rebirth Project two-week immersive cohort.
- LEO Center (Leadership & Economic Opportunity Center) 90,000 sq ft community center on S. King Drive in Woodlawn opening Fall 2026. Houses all five program pillars including a workforce training wing with automotive, carpentry, woodworking, welding, and makerspace; youth enrichment hub; health and wellness center; business incubator; cafe and teaching kitchen; and a 400-seat multipurpose hall/theatre. Named after lead gift partner Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Quantifiable outcome
- 31% reduction in gun homicides in 60637 ZIP code (2024→2025)
- +7 more outcomes
Companies that use Project H.O.O.D.
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Project H.O.O.D. technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
Feature3 records
Project H.O.O.D. partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered major and core.
- OzingamajorConstruction and materials partner contributing to LEO Center build. Local Chicago company providing materials and support for the workforce training construction programs.
- Crane Co.majorConstruction industry partner supporting workforce development and providing employment pipeline for program graduates.
- Reed ConstructionmajorLocal construction firm partner providing workforce training support, site experience, and hiring pipeline for graduates.
- Metro Ford ChicagocoreEmployer partner providing workforce placement opportunities and potentially supporting youth programs and transportation access.
- University of Chicago MedicinecoreHealthcare partner for hospital-based violence intervention. Outreach team responds to University of Chicago Medicine hospital bedside for shooting victims, providing immediate crisis support and follow-up services.
- Friend Health (FQHC)coreFederally Qualified Health Center providing primary care services at the Southside Free Clinic. Patients referred to Friend Health at 6250 S. Cottage Grove for ongoing care after initial consultations.
- University of Chicago Pritzker School of MedicinecoreAcademic medical partner collaborating on the Southside Free Clinic initiative, bringing medical students and residents to provide free healthcare services.
- Chicago Public SchoolscoreSchool partnership including embedded mediators at Hyde Park Academy, youth programming collaborations, and Trunk Party college preparation for graduating seniors.
- New Beginnings Church of ChicagocoreHome church of Pastor Corey Brooks, founder. Hosts Southside Free Clinic on 1st & 3rd Sundays. Deep partnership for community events, outreach coordination, and faith-based collaboration.
- Chicago Cook Workforce PartnershipcoreWorkforce development partner providing job training coordination, employer connections, and career placement support for program participants.
- City Colleges of ChicagomajorEducational partnership for workforce development certifications, vocational training pathways, and academic support for program participants.
- Office of Violence Prevention, City of ChicagocoreCity agency partnership for violence interruption programming, community response coordination, and public safety initiatives in Woodlawn and Washington Park.
- Chicago Roofers Union (IBEW Local 130)coreTrade union partnership providing direct pathway from construction training program to union-track careers. Workforce graduates placed into apprenticeship programs.
- UPSmajorEmployer partner hosting hiring events. Over 100 neighbors hired on the spot at recent UPS hiring event through workforce program.
- Legal Aid SocietymajorLegal services partner supporting re-entry program participants with legal issues affecting employment and housing access.
- IBEW Local 130coreElectrical workers union partnership for pre-apprenticeship program providing direct path to electrical trade careers.
- M. Cannon Roofing CompanymajorConstruction employer partner hiring workforce program graduates. Program graduate Terrance now employed as union roofer with this company.
Scale indicators22 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Project H.O.O.D. competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Heartland Alliance: Heartland Alliance is a Chicago-based anti-poverty nonprofit providing housing, healthcare, workforce, and re-entry services for vulnerable populations — directly comparable in multi-pillar social service delivery and wraparound case-management approach.
- Greater Chicago Food Depository: Greater Chicago Food Depository is the Chicago-area food bank network distributing millions of pounds of food annually to community partners — directly comparable to Project H.O.O.D.'s 2M+ lbs food distribution outcome and community-based mutual aid model.
- Safer Foundation: Safer Foundation is one of the largest re-entry and workforce development nonprofits in Illinois, providing employment services, housing navigation, and case management for formerly incarcerated individuals — directly comparable to Project H.O.O.D.'s Re-Entry Services pillar and Rebirth Project cohort model.
- Friend Health (FQHC): Friend Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center on Chicago's South Side providing primary care to uninsured and underinsured residents — a direct clinical partner to Project H.O.O.D.'s Southside Free Clinic and a peer in addressing healthcare access on the South Side.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago: Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago provide youth enrichment, mentorship, after-school programming, and college/career readiness for Chicago youth, including Woodlawn and South Side locations — directly comparable to Project H.O.O.D.'s Youth Programming pillar and Trunk Party outcomes.
- Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership: Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership is the regional Workforce Innovation Board coordinating job training, employer connections, and career placement across Chicago — a direct partner of Project H.O.O.D. and a peer in workforce development outcomes and employer-pipeline design.
- Chicago Urban League: Chicago Urban League is a long-standing Chicago civil rights and workforce nonprofit providing job training, youth programming, and economic empowerment on the South Side — a broad peer in mission, geography, and multi-pillar community development approach.
- Chicago CRED (Create Real Economic Destiny): Chicago CRED is a violence-prevention and economic opportunity organization on Chicago's South and West Sides that uses a similar credible-messenger violence interruption model combined with workforce and behavioral-health programming; directly comparable in mission, geography, and multi-pillar approach.
Broad incumbents
- YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago: YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago operates community centers with youth programming, workforce initiatives, and health & wellness services across Chicago neighborhoods including the South Side — a broader incumbent with comparable youth, health, and community-center programming but at a regional scale.
Emerging players
- University of Chicago Medicine - Violence Recovery Program: University of Chicago Medicine operates hospital-based violence intervention and recovery programs on the South Side that partner with Project H.O.O.D. for bedside response — an emerging player in the same hospital-linked violence intervention space.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Project H.O.O.D. social profiles
Digital presenceProject H.O.O.D. compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Project H.O.O.D. financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Project H.O.O.D. leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Project H.O.O.D. funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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Project H.O.O.D. M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Project H.O.O.D.
What does Project H.O.O.D. do?
Project H.O.O.D. (Helping Others Obtain Destiny) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization that delivers five integrated social service programs in Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood: violence prevention, workforce development, youth programming, health and wellness, and re-entry services. All programs are offered free of charge to community members and are funded through donations, grants, and a capital campaign supporting the 90,000 sq ft LEO Center opening Fall 2026.
Is Project H.O.O.D. a public or private company?
Project H.O.O.D. is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Project H.O.O.D. founded?
Project H.O.O.D. was founded in 2012. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Project H.O.O.D. based?
Project H.O.O.D. is headquartered in Chicago, United States, in the North America region.
How does Project H.O.O.D. make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Individual Donations are the primary driver. The others are walk With Us! Campaign, brick by Brick Walkway, corporate Partnerships, foundation Grants, stock & Securities Donations and planned Giving.
Who are Project H.O.O.D.'s main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Heartland Alliance, Greater Chicago Food Depository, Safer Foundation, Friend Health (FQHC), Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, Chicago Urban League and Chicago CRED (Create Real Economic Destiny). YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is listed as a broad incumbent. University of Chicago Medicine - Violence Recovery Program is listed as an emerging player.
Does Project H.O.O.D. have an API?
No public API is recorded for Project H.O.O.D..
What industry is Project H.O.O.D. in?
Project H.O.O.D.'s product category is Community Social Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGADAL, Dropout Prevention, Alternative Education & Re-Engagement Nonprofits, with a secondary code of BPAGACAG, Disability Services & Independent Living Support. Its NAICS code is 813 and its SIC code is 8300.