Sunshine Gospel Ministries

What Sunshine Gospel Ministries does

Sunshine Gospel Ministries is a 120-year-old faith-based nonprofit headquartered at 500 E 61st Street in Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood, delivering a portfolio of community social services across Chicago's South Side. Founded in 1905 as a mission for single mothers under Moody Church, the organization has evolved from a rescue mission into a multi-program operator serving youth, families, young adults, gun-violence survivors, and prospective homeowners. Its core programs include BridgeBuilders (cross-cultural service-learning and poverty simulations for groups from 12+ cities), Familyhood (parenting cohorts and family-strengthening), the Flourishing Community Initiative / FCI (violence intervention for gunshot survivors), Youth Outreach (after-school and summer camp), WorkLIFE (workforce development for ages 17-28), the Housing Equity Initiative including the Home Buyer Readiness Program and Tax Sale Benevolence Program, a Behavioral Health Initiative, Peace Circles restorative-justice work in schools, a Food Pantry, and the Seed to Grow Scholarship.

The organization operates without proprietary technology; its "platform" is a physical and relational community-services infrastructure. Tools in use are conventional nonprofit SaaS: SnapPages for the website, Google Forms for registrations, Givebutter for donations and camp sponsorships, BambooHR for HR, Zoom for virtual cohorts, YouTube for video content, and Yumpu for annual reports. Revenue derives from individual and church donations, foundation grants (We Raise Foundation), corporate sponsorships, and government grants — most notably a $5 million February 2025 award from the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development to construct the Sunshine Community Center in Washington Park. Programs are delivered free to participants; the only fee-based offerings are summer-camp sponsorships at $400-$700 per student. Leadership rests with Executive Director Kimberly Salley and a small team of program directors across FCI, Housing Development, and Programs, supported by a 27-person staff and a board of directors.

Name

Sunshine Gospel Ministries

Legal name

Sunshine Gospel Ministries

Website

https://sunshinegospel.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1905

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Social Services

NAICS

Religious Organizations (8131), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Faith-Based Social Services & Community Outreach (Food Pantries, Shelters, Counseling) (BPAGAJAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Faith-Based Humanitarian Aid & Relief Ministries (BPAGAJAF), Faith-Based Advocacy & Public Policy Organizations (BPAGAJAK)

Keywords

• Community social services
• Youth development programs
• Violence intervention services
• Affordable housing programs
• Workforce development training

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The organization relies on donations from individuals, churches, and community supporters to fund programs and operations.
2. Government Grants: Received $5 million grant from City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development for Sunshine Community Center development.
3. Fee-based Programs: Some programs like Home Buyer Readiness Program are free to participants; sponsorship opportunities for events such as summer camp.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Sunshine Gospel Ministries is a faith-based nonprofit that delivers free community social service programs to residents of Chicago's South Side, including youth after-school and summer camp programs, family-strengthening classes, violence intervention for gun violence survivors, affordable housing assistance and homeownership readiness, and workforce development for young adults. Programming is supported by donations, grants, and sponsorships, with services delivered directly at its 500 E 61st St headquarters and through partner organizations, schools, and churches.

Product overview

Sunshine Gospel Ministries operates as a community-based organization offering a portfolio of interconnected programs focused on youth empowerment, family strengthening, violence intervention, housing equity, and workforce development. The core programs include BridgeBuilders (cross-cultural service learning), Familyhood (parenting and family support), the Flourishing Community Initiative/FCI (violence intervention), Youth Outreach with Summer Camp, WorkLIFE (workforce development), and the Housing Equity Initiative with the Home Buyer Readiness Program. Supporting services include Behavioral Health, a Food Pantry, Peace Circles restorative justice, and the Seed to Grow Scholarship. The organization is developing the Sunshine Community Center to expand programming capacity. Programs are delivered through partnerships with local schools, churches, healthcare providers, and community organizations, with virtual and in-person delivery options available.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• BridgeBuilders: Week-long service-learning trips connecting individuals from diverse backgrounds to cultivate understanding of inner-city community challenges through service, dialogue, and experiential engagement including poverty simulations.
• Familyhood
• Flourishing Community Initiative (FCI)
• Housing Equity Initiative (HEI)
• Youth Outreach
• WorkLIFE
• Sunshine Community Center

Products and services

• BridgeBuilders Cross-cultural immersion and service-learning program that connects individuals from diverse backgrounds to cultivate understanding of inner-city communities through service projects, dialogue, and experiential learning including a Poverty Simulation experience. For visiting church groups, youth groups, and faith-based organizations.
• Familyhood Family-strengthening program providing faith-based parenting cohorts, therapy referrals, financial literacy, and family activities/meals to restore hope in families and renew communities. Includes Raising Highly Capable Kids and 7 Traits of Effective Parenting cohorts delivered via Zoom. For parents and families on Chicago's South Side.
• Flourishing Community Initiative (FCI) / Violence Intervention Violence intervention program providing victim services, case management, counseling, and support for gunshot violence survivors and their families, including referrals for counseling, legal services, and workforce development. Support begins within two years of incident and continues for a full year.
• Youth Outreach After-school and summer programming for elementary, middle, and high school students providing a structured environment with academic support, creative activities, recreational programs, and tutoring to promote positive values and commitment to learning.
• Summer Camp Away-camp experiences for youth ages 8-18 delivered through partnerships with Kids Across America and YoungLife, offering outdoor adventures, spiritual formation, and life-changing experiences at Timberwolf camp in Lake City, Michigan, and KAA locations. Sponsorship opportunities at $700 per high school student and $400 per middle school student.
• Housing Equity Initiative (HEI) Housing equity program with three pillars: Retention (Tax Sale Benevolence Program), Readiness (Home Buyer Readiness Program), and Revitalization (vacant property redevelopment into affordable homes). For prospective and current homeowners in Woodlawn and Washington Park.
• WorkLIFE Year-round workforce development initiative empowering young adults ages 17-28 with career skills, mentorship, paid stipends, job placement, soft skills development, cultural enrichment, and ongoing career support to achieve lasting employment and economic stability.
• Behavioral Health Initiative Mental health and wellness program providing counseling referrals, workshops, case management, and partnerships with clinicians to promote mental wellness for youth and families, including assistance with essential medications during crises.
• Food Pantry Food distribution program providing groceries to families in the community, held at 500 E 61st Street. Part of community services serving Woodlawn and Washington Park.
• Seed to Grow Scholarship Scholarship program for current undergraduate students and trade school students with minimum 2.5 GPA, requiring referral from an SGM employee/volunteer or former program participant.
• Sunshine Community Center Community center development project in Washington Park providing spaces for after-school programs, workforce training, community meetings, and wellness services for residents of Chicago's South Side.
• Peace Circles Restorative justice practice bringing Peace Circles into neighborhood schools to build trust, address bullying and conflict, and prevent cycles of violence through dialogue grounded in Indigenous traditions. For students and educators in local schools.
• Tax Sale Benevolence Program (TSP) Partnership with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to assist homeowners facing property tax delinquency and prevent loss of homes to tax sale. Jointly developed the Payment Plan Calculator with Senator Robert Peters and the Cook County Treasurer's Office.
• Reclaiming Washington Park Partnership with United Power for Action and Justice's Reclaiming Chicago Initiative to provide affordable homeownership opportunities through development of single-family, two-flat, and condo units for Washington Park residents, with Guider Group LLC as architect and Outlook Construction Design and Interior as general contractor.

Quantifiable outcome

• 12 WorkLIFE participants completed training with 9 achieving job placements and 6 earning industry certifications
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• United Power for Action and Justice / Reclaiming Chicago InitiativecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 April 2026Collaborative partnership for affordable homeownership development in Washington Park. United Power's Reclaiming Chicago initiative provides affordable homeownership opportunities through building single-family, two-flats, and condo units.
• Kay's Korner FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSickle cell disease awareness partnership founded by Kayla Williams (SGM Director of Housing Development). Partnered with Sunshine to host awareness events and blood drives during Sickle Cell Awareness Month.
• United Against Inequities in Disease (UAID)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudent-led organization at University of Chicago committed to eliminating health inequities. Partnership for Familyhood F.A.M. Dinner events focusing on healthy eating and community connection.
• Raise the Floor AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlliance of Chicago area worker centers providing support to low-wage workers. Partnered for expungement seminar through FCI program offering legal assistance for criminal record clearance.
• Workers Center for Racial JusticeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrassroots organization advancing rights of low-wage workers. Partnered for expungement seminar. Established campus presence at SGM in 2025 providing political education and community-centered services.
• Sunshine EnterprisesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit providing aspiring entrepreneurs with tools, resources, training, mentorship, and access to capital. Partnered for expungement seminar to support economic stability.
• Kennedy King CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational institution partner for expungement seminar providing legal resources to community members seeking to clear criminal records.
• City of Chicago One Summer Chicago ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to hire teens and young adults as summer staff for Summer Day Camp, providing employment opportunities and workforce experience.
• Kids Across America (KAA)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCamp organization serving urban youth. SGM partners with KAA to send youth to summer camp experiences, continuing commitment to camp ministry.
• YoungLifecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorYouth ministry organization partnering with SGM to provide summer camp experiences for high school students at Timberwolf camp in Lake City, Michigan.
• Cook County Treasurer Maria PappascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Tax Sale Benevolence Program (TSP) to assist homeowners behind on property taxes and protect generational wealth. Jointly developed Payment Plan Calculator.
• Senator Robert PetersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Cook County Treasurer's Office and Senator Peters to develop Payment Plan Calculator for property owners to avoid tax sale.
• Future TiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing entertainment and activities at summer showcase event, including inflatable attractions for children.
• Gift of HopeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrgan donation awareness organization that provided 250 backpacks for summer showcase event, supporting students for upcoming school year.
• Christian Community Health CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare provider offering HIV and STI screenings and health services information at summer showcase and wellness events.
• Genesis Music and ArtsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization leading summer programming for students, including dance, music, and cultural exploration activities.
• Onyx Medical Wellness (Dr. Maya Green, MD)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealth and equity organization delivering keynote on social determinants of health at first Health & Wellness Fair in Woodlawn.
• Blue LotusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWellness organization leading yoga sessions at Health & Wellness Fair, providing tools for physical fitness and mental well-being.
• Slayers MMA AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMartial arts academy hosting basic jiu-jitsu training at Health & Wellness Fair, empowering participants with physical fitness skills.
• Together We Can Initiative / Commander Watson (3rd District Police)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWeekly community meeting initiative founded by Third District Police to create collaborations that reduce and prevent violence. Birthed Woodlawn Youth Summit through Donnell Williams.
• Champs MentoringminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMentoring organization providing resources at Woodlawn Youth Summit for youth development and empowerment.
• Project HoodminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization providing resources and support at Woodlawn Youth Summit.
• The Black Men's Lawyer's AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLegal professional organization providing resources at Woodlawn Youth Summit.
• Guider Group LLCminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitecture firm serving as architect for affordable home construction in Woodlawn and Washington Park through HEI.
• Outlook Construction Design and InteriorminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGeneral contractor for affordable home construction project, developing two energy-efficient 2-flat homes.
• Oxford UMCminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChurch group participating in BridgeBuilders service-learning trip, engaging in poverty simulation and community service in Woodlawn.
• Hosanna Church (Lakeville, MN)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChurch partnership for BridgeBuilders summer of service and discipleship, helping residents access air conditioning and volunteering in community gardens.
• Crossroads Bible Church (Grand Rapids, MI)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChurch whose youth group participated in BridgeBuilders trip, later inspiring development of homeless ministry initiatives in Grand Rapids.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sunshine-gospel-ministries

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sunshine Gospel Ministries