United Nations Association of Chicago

What United Nations Association of Chicago does

United Nations Association of Chicago (UNA-Chicago, DBA UNA-Greater Chicago Chapter, EIN 58-2366765) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the Greater Chicago Area chapter of the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA). The chapter operates from co-located space within the Simmons Center for Global Chicago at 303 E Wacker Dr, Suite 2108, Chicago, Illinois, and is led entirely by volunteers — there are no paid staff. Its functional mandate is to translate the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into local action across Chicagoland through advocacy, education, and community programming.

The chapter's core "products" are programmatic rather than technological: an SDG Ambassador Program with a dedicated volunteer ambassador for each of the 17 goals; the UNA-Chicago Youth Empowerment Program (UNA-CYEP) for civic engagement; media including the Chicago Talks SDGs monthly podcast and Global Goals NOW monthly IG Live series; community resources such as the SNAP Resources food-assistance hub; and signature events including the Global Goals Awards Ceremony and UN Day Celebration. No proprietary technology platform is described; the organization relies on standard third-party tools (Mailchimp, PayPal, social platforms).

UNA-Chicago generates revenue from three streams: individual donations (PayPal-processed, tax-deductible), membership fees set by UNA-USA national (ranging from free GenUN for ages 14-17, to $25/yr Young Professional, $50/yr Standard, and $1,000 Lifetime), and corporate/event sponsorships (Polsinelli, Walgreens). Recurring foundation support comes from the Dick Family Foundation (since 2004). The chapter is governed by an elected Board of Directors and a network of SDG ambassadors, with a primary audience of youth (ages 14-30) supplemented by civic members, corporate sponsors, and nonprofit partners including Model UN Academy, Simmons Center for Global Chicago, Global Philanthropy Partnership, Greater Chicago Food Depository, and Northern Illinois Food Bank.

Name

United Nations Association of Chicago

Legal name

United Nations Association – Chicago Chapter

Website

https://unachicago.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1940

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

United Nations Association of Chicago is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) chapter of UNA-USA that advances the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals through local advocacy, youth empowerment, and community programming across the Greater Chicago Area.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Advocacy and Civic Education

NAICS

Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

United Nations System & Specialized Agencies (BPADAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation (BPAGAGAF)

Keywords

• Sustainable development advocacy
• Youth civic engagement
• Community education programs
• Model un training
• Grassroots nonprofit organizing

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations: Individual donations are the primary revenue source, processed through PayPal. Donations are tax-deductible under 501(c)(3) status (EIN: 58-2366765). The chapter is fully volunteer-run with no paid staff, so donations go directly toward youth programs, community events, and advocacy.
2. Membership Fees: UNA-USA national processes memberships with fees ranging from free (GenUN ages 14–17), $25/year (Young Professional ages 18–30), $50/year (Standard), to $1,000 (Lifetime). A portion flows to local chapter engagement.
3. Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors support annual events (UN Day Celebration, Global Goals Awards) and youth programming. Sponsors include Polsinelli and Walgreens, among others. Revenue is non-recurring and relationship-based.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

UNA-Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit chapter of UNA-USA that advances the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals through volunteer-led advocacy, education, and community engagement programs in the Greater Chicago Area. It operates an SDG Ambassador Program that assigns dedicated volunteer leaders to each of the 17 goals, runs the UNA-CYEP Youth Empowerment Program, hosts the annual Global Goals Awards Ceremony and UN Day Celebration, and produces media including the Chicago Talks SDGs Podcast and Global Goals NOW IG Live series. The chapter also maintains the SNAP Resources food-security hub connecting Chicagoland residents to local food assistance.

Product overview

UNA-Chicago is a nonprofit chapter of the United Nations Association of the USA focused on advancing the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through grassroots advocacy and community programs in the Greater Chicago Area. The organization operates as a community engagement platform rather than a technology product company, offering programs including the SDG Ambassador Program (volunteer-led advocacy for each of the 17 goals), the Youth Empowerment Program (UNA-CYEP) for civic engagement, media content (Chicago Talks SDGs Podcast, Global Goals NOW IG Live), and community resources like the SNAP Resources food assistance hub. Programs are delivered through in-person events, digital engagement, and educational outreach rather than software products.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SDG Ambassador Program A volunteer leadership program where individuals represent one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, working in teams to educate, raise awareness, and inspire action through outreach and advocacy at the local level in the Greater Chicago Area.
• UNA-Chicago Youth Empowerment Program (UNA-CYEP) A youth leadership platform that equips young people to become active participants in civic life, connecting them to UN advocacy on peace, sustainable development, human rights, and democratic participation through events, Model UN simulations, and community initiatives.
• Chicago Talks SDGs Podcast A monthly podcast series featuring discussions on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting local and global initiatives advancing the SDGs.
• Global Goals NOW IG Live Monthly Instagram Live spotlight series featuring the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, showcasing changemakers and initiatives advancing the SDGs.
• SNAP Resources Hub A food security resource hub connecting Chicagoland residents to local food pantries, food banks, meal programs, and food assistance resources across Cook County and surrounding counties.
• Global Goals Awards Ceremony Annual awards ceremony honoring individuals and organizations that translate the UN Sustainable Development Goals into measurable local impact across Chicagoland.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100+ annual partnerships across schools, government agencies, community organizations, and global networks (per 2025 Global Goals Award honoree Dr. Jarmese Sherrod's track record)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, featured partner and minor.

• Simmons Center for Global ChicagocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2004UNA-Chicago's headquarters is housed within the Simmons Center for Global Chicago at 303 E Wacker Dr, Suite 2108. The Simmons Center creates strategic pathways for collaboration among nonprofit organizations in the global development sector in the greater Chicago region. April Donnellan, a 2025 Global Goals Award honoree, serves as Co-Director of the Simmons Center.
• Model UN Academyfeatured partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerModel UN Academy is UNA-Chicago's August 2025 featured partner. Founded by Momin Ahmed in 2024, it provides free Model UN educational resources in 100+ languages, engaging students globally. UNA-Chicago celebrates Momin Ahmed as a 2025 Global Goals Award honoree. The partnership supports UNA-Chicago's SDG education mission by providing Model UN programming to Chicagoland youth and schools.
• Global Philanthropy PartnershipcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal Philanthropy Partnership (GPP) is co-located with the Simmons Center for Global Chicago. April Donnellan, UNA-Chicago's 2025 Global Goals Award honoree, serves as Executive Director of GPP. The organizations collaborate on global philanthropy and international development programming in Chicago.
• United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNA-Chicago is the Greater Chicago Chapter of UNA-USA, a national organization based in Washington, D.C. UNA-USA advances the UN mission through grassroots advocacy, youth engagement, public education, and nationwide programming with over 20,000 members and 200+ chapters across the country.
• United Nations (UN) SystemcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNA-Chicago connects to the broader UN system through UNA-USA, promoting the work of UN specialized agencies (WHO, UNICEF, UNHCR, WFP, UNDP, UNEP, UNESCO, IAEA, WIPO, IFAD, UN-Habitat, UNAIDS) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The chapter translates global UN priorities into local Chicagoland action.
• Global Classrooms ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNA-Chicago supported the implementation of the Global Classrooms program at the middle school level, providing sponsorship for student attire and Model UN training. The initiative was led by Roxxy Cooley and trainer Akvile Cosimo Monkute as part of the chapter's youth education mission.
• University of Illinois European Union CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSuzanne Giacotto, UNA-Chicago Climate Action Ambassador, serves as a Transatlantic Educator with the University of Illinois' European Union Center, facilitating climate advocacy projects between Chicago and EU classrooms.
• Brahma Kumaris Meditation CenterminorOthersUNA-Chicago co-hosted an 'Off to a Fresh Start' meditation event for teens and young adults at the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center (737 W Belmont Ave, Chicago) on January 10, 2026, supporting youth wellbeing in alignment with SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-Being).
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill International Relations AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerModel UN Academy, UNA-Chicago's featured partner, operates in association with the UNC Chapel Hill International Relations Association, supporting international Model UN programming and conferences.
• MedGlobalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMomin Ahmed (2025 Global Goals Award honoree, Model UN Academy) has spoken at events hosted by MedGlobal. Model UN Academy's initiatives have been conducted in association with MedGlobal, which also co-hosts speaking events with UNA-USA.
• Chicago Council on Global AffairsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerApril Donnellan (2025 Global Goals Award honoree) previously served as program director at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs before joining Global Philanthropy Partnership and co-directing the Simmons Center.
• Greater Chicago Food DepositoryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNA-Chicago's SNAP Resources page references the Greater Chicago Food Depository as a key partner for food assistance in Cook County, supporting SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-Being) in Chicagoland.
• Northern Illinois Food BankminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNA-Chicago's SNAP Resources page references the Northern Illinois Food Bank for residents of counties outside Cook County, supporting food access and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) across Northern Illinois.
• Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNA-Chicago's SNAP Resources page references IDHS for statewide nutrition program information (SNAP), aligning with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-Being).

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA): Global umbrella linking national UN associations in over 100 countries. Comparable as the global counterpart to UNA-USA's chapter network, advancing the same UN public engagement mission at international scale.
• Global Citizen: Large-scale youth-focused advocacy platform mobilizing action against extreme poverty and the SDGs. Comparable audience overlap (young global citizens, SDG-themed campaigns, civic engagement) and similar advocacy-driven mission.
• Amnesty International USA: Major U.S. human rights advocacy organization. Comparable as a nonprofit that mobilizes grassroots volunteers and members around international issues including UN-related human rights themes, though with paid staff and broader issue scope.
• United Nations Foundation: Major UN-affiliated advocacy and fundraising organization based in Washington, D.C. Comparable because it advances UN priorities (including the SDGs) through U.S.-based advocacy, partnerships, and public engagement, operating at significantly larger scale than UNA-Chicago's chapter.

Direct peers

• Better World Campaign: Advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening U.S.-UN relations and securing U.S. funding for the UN. Directly comparable to UNA-Chicago's UN advocacy mission, though operating nationally rather than at the chapter level.
• Citizens for Global Solutions: U.S.-based nonprofit advocating for strengthened international institutions including the UN. Comparable mission around UN reform, multilateral engagement, and grassroots civic advocacy for global governance.
• RESULTS: Grassroots advocacy nonprofit mobilizing volunteers to end poverty and the SDGs through U.S. policy change. Comparable volunteer-ambassador model, civic engagement training, and chapter-based structure that translates global development goals into local advocacy.
• United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA): National umbrella organization and parent entity of UNA-Chicago with 200+ chapters and 20,000+ members nationwide. Direct peer because it operates the same UN-affiliated grassroots advocacy mission at scale, sets national membership pricing, and shapes chapter programming across the country.
• UNA-Greater New York: Largest UNA-USA chapter serving the New York metropolitan area. Direct peer because it executes the same UN grassroots advocacy model in a major U.S. metro, with similar ambassador programs, events, and youth engagement focus.

Regional players

• Chicago Council on Global Affairs: Chicago's leading global affairs institution, previously employing UNA-Chicago partner April Donnellan. Comparable as a Chicago-based civic organization advancing global engagement, though with a professional staff model and broader policy focus versus UNA-Chicago's volunteer-led UN advocacy.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@UNAUSAGreaterChicago
• Facebookfacebook.com/unachicago
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/united-nations-association-greater-chicago-chapter
• Instagraminstagram.com/unachicago

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about United Nations Association of Chicago