Quad County Urban League

What Quad County Urban League does

Quad County Urban League Inc. (QCUL) is a 501(c)(3) community-based nonprofit founded in 1975 and headquartered at 1685 N. Farnsworth Ave., Aurora, Illinois. It operates as an affiliate of the National Urban League network and serves residents of DuPage, Kane, Kendall, and Will Counties through six core program verticals: an Economic Empowerment Center (small business training, coaching, and access to capital), Workforce Development (Construct Infrastructure Academy, Nicor Gas Career Academy, Aurora YouthBuild, Youth Career Pathways, IL-Works Pre-Apprenticeship, and a Solar Energy Program), Youth and Education programs (EA2, Project Ready, STEAM Youth Summer Camp, TSTM), Housing Education & Referral, Civic Engagement, and Get Covered Illinois ACA Navigator services. Service delivery is built on a case-management model in which a case manager assesses client goals and routes them across the internal program portfolio, supplemented by an extensive external partner network spanning employers (Nicor Gas, ComEd, UPS), financial institutions (PNC Bank, US Bank, Old Second Bank), educational institutions (Waubonsee Community College, Aurora University, East Aurora School District 131), and government agencies (Aurora Housing Authority).

The underlying technology is a relatively standard nonprofit community-services platform: case management, partner-network coordination, and direct client interaction supported by an internal IT and data compliance function. There is no disclosed proprietary technology product, no app, no API, and no AI/ML capability. Revenue is generated through a diversified mix of individual and corporate donations (including the Golden Giving Campaign), foundation and corporate grants (Hunter Family Foundation, PNC, ComEd, Nicor Gas, Dunham Foundation, SBA, Illinois MBDA), and event-based fundraising anchored by the annual Equality Gala, which offers tiered sponsorships from $1,000 (Marie Wilkinson Sponsor) up to $50,000 (President's Table), with individual gala tickets priced at $250.

Services are provided free to clients. Go-to-market is community-led, relying on direct outreach, partner referrals, and a broad social media presence across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter/X, and Pinterest, supported by an in-house marketing manager and community engagement coordinators.

Name

Quad County Urban League

Legal name

Quad County Urban League Inc.

Website

https://qcul.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Quad County Urban League is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1975 and affiliated with the National Urban League, serving DuPage, Kane, Kendall, and Will Counties in Illinois through case-managed programs in workforce development, youth education, small business support, housing, and civic engagement.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Social Services

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (81341), Educational Services (611), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services (BPAGAEAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Dropout Prevention, Alternative Education & Re-Engagement Nonprofits (BPAGADAL), Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC)

Keywords

• Workforce development services
• Youth education programs
• Economic empowerment services
• Housing education referral
• Community social services

Headquarters

HQ city

Aurora

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The organization relies on donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations to fund operations and programs. The website features a prominent donate button and mentions the Golden Giving Campaign.
2. Event Revenue (Gala and Sponsorships): Annual Equality Gala and other events generate revenue through ticket sales, table sponsorships, program advertisements, and corporate sponsorships. The 50th Anniversary Gala features tiered sponsorship from $5,000 Host Table to $50,000 President's Table.
3. Foundation and Corporate Grants: Partnerships with organizations like Hunter Family Foundation, PNC Bank, ComEd, Nicor Gas, and other corporate sponsors provide grant funding and programmatic support.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Quad County Urban League is a community-based non-profit that delivers direct social services to residents of DuPage, Kane, Kendall, and Will Counties in Illinois through case management, workforce training, youth education, small business support, housing education, and civic engagement programs. Services are provided free of charge to community members, with employer and educational institution partners such as Nicor Gas, ComEd, and Waubonsee Community College extending program reach. The organization is an affiliate of the National Urban League network and was founded in 1975.

Product overview

Quad County Urban League is a community-based non-profit organization offering a portfolio of social service programs organized into six core areas: Economic Empowerment Center (small business support services), Workforce Development Programs (employment training including construction, utility, and trades pathways), Youth and Education Programs (STEM and trades-focused youth development), Housing Education & Referral services, Civic Engagement initiatives, and Get Covered Illinois (health insurance enrollment assistance). These programs work together to serve residents of DuPage, Kane, Kendall, and Will Counties in Illinois, providing a holistic support system from youth development through adult career advancement and financial empowerment.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Economic Empowerment Center (EEC) A one-stop hub providing small business training, personalized coaching, financial empowerment, and community support for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs in the quad-county region. Delivers cohort-based business training, one-on-one mentorship, financial coaching, and networking events with partners including SBA, PNC Bank, SCORE Fox Valley, Women's Business Development Center, and Illinois MBDA Business Center.
• Workforce Development Programs Employment preparation programs that connect participants to industry-sector training and employment pathways, including the Construct Infrastructure Academy (with ComEd), Nicor Gas Career Academy, Aurora YouthBuild, Youth Career Pathways, IL-Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, and Solar Energy Program. Designed for adults and youth in the quad-county region seeking skilled trades and infrastructure careers.
• Youth and Education Programs Youth empowerment programs focused on STEM and trades that prepare young people for academic and career success, including Aurora YouthBuild, EA2, Project Ready, STEAM Youth Summer Camp, and TSTM. Serve youth and young adults in partnership with East Aurora School District 131 and other educational institutions.
• Housing Education & Referral Housing education and referral services that provide resources and community connections to help individuals and families achieve stable and sustainable housing solutions in the quad-county region.
• Civic Engagement Voting rights education and democracy advocacy program providing voter registration assistance, polling information, and civic participation resources for community members in the quad-county region.
• Get Covered Illinois Affordable health insurance enrollment assistance program operating as an Urban League Navigator under Get Covered Illinois, helping uninsured Illinois residents access ACA Marketplace plans through scheduled callbacks and guided enrollment assessments.

Quantifiable outcome

• 50 families supported through Project 50: Tools for School initiative
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Aurora Housing AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 October 2025Partner for Project 50: Tools for School initiative supporting 50 families from Eastwood Apartments with school supplies.
• Aurora TownshipminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 October 2025Sponsor of the 50th Anniversary Equality Gala supporting community programs in the Aurora area.
• Aurora UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 October 2025Sponsor of the 50th Anniversary Equality Gala supporting educational initiatives and HBCU partnerships.
• Chicago Urban LeaguecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 October 2025Illinois Urban League affiliate partner providing support and collaboration within the National Urban League network. Co-listed as sponsor of the Equality Gala.
• East Aurora School District 131coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 October 2025Partner for youth education programs including East Aurora Academy and educational support services for students.
• Wayside Cross MinistriesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 October 2025Partner organization supporting community outreach and services in the quad-county region.
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSBA partners with the Economic Empowerment Center to provide small business training, funding access, and entrepreneurial support services for aspiring and existing business owners in the quad-county region.
• PNC BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPNC Bank provides financial coaching, access to capital resources, and funding source connections through the Economic Empowerment Center. Paul Labonne from PNC serves on the Board of Directors as Vice President of Community Development Banking.
• SCORE Fox ValleycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSCORE Fox Valley provides mentorship and one-on-one coaching services for small business owners participating in the Economic Empowerment Center programs.
• Women's Business Development CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWomen's Business Development Center partners with QCUL to provide business development resources and support specifically for women entrepreneurs in the region.
• Illinois MBDA Business CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIllinois MBDA Business Center provides minority business development resources and access to federal contracting opportunities for businesses served through the Economic Empowerment Center.
• Aurora Financial Empowerment CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAurora Financial Empowerment Center partners to provide financial coaching and resource referrals for community members seeking to improve their financial situation.
• Nicor GascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNicor Gas partners with QCUL on the Career Academy program providing workforce training and career pathways in the energy sector. Tremese Davis, Vice President of Operations at Nicor Gas, serves on the Board of Directors.
• ComEdcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerComEd partners on workforce development through the Construct Infrastructure Academy program. Carla Dennis, External Affairs Manager at ComEd, serves on the Board of Directors. Kaleshia 'Kay' Page from Comcast also serves on the board.
• UPSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUPS provides job readiness skills training and employment pathways for youth participants in workforce development programs.
• Waubonsee Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWaubonsee Community College partners on educational programs. Dr. Toya Webb, Chief of Staff/Vice President of Strategy at Waubonsee, serves on the Board of Directors.
• Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDianne Engram, retired from Fermilab, serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors.
• Marie Wilkinson Food PantrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for the Golden Giving Campaign during Giving Tuesday. A portion of funds raised support the food pantry. Volunteers also serve at the pantry sorting, packing, and distributing food to those in need.
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with QCUL for the MLK Day Service Project to craft no-sew blankets for the NICU at Rush Copley Hospital.
• Rush Copley HospitalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for the MLK Day Service Project receiving NICU blankets crafted by QCUL and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority volunteers.
• National Urban LeaguecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerQCUL is an affiliate of the National Urban League network, contributing to efforts that strengthen communities through service delivery, policy engagement, and collaborative problem-solving since 1910.
• Get Covered IllinoiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerQCUL operates as an Urban League Navigator under Get Covered Illinois, helping uninsured individuals access and navigate the Health Exchange Marketplace.
• The Inland Real Estate GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStacey Brown-Gore, Chief Human Resources Officer/EVP at The Inland Real Estate Group, serves on the Board of Directors.
• HUB InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStephen Morcos, Sr. Vice President at HUB International, serves on the Board of Directors.
• Make-A-Wish AmericaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKaren Smith-Wells, Chief Strategy and Diversity Officer at Make-A-Wish America, serves on the Board of Directors.
• Painters District Council No. 30minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAaron Anderson serves as Treasurer and Fund Administrator, connecting workforce development to skilled trade opportunities.
• MasTec, Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPansy Shah, CFO at MasTec, Inc., serves on the Board of Directors, supporting infrastructure and construction career pathways.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Direct peers

• Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) Chicago: Workforce development, skills training, and economic empowerment nonprofit serving Chicagoland. Strong overlap with QCUL's workforce and economic empowerment centers.
• Goodwill Industries of Northern and Central Illinois: Nonprofit providing workforce training, job placement, and youth programs across Illinois. Directly overlaps QCUL on workforce development, youth services, and economic empowerment outcomes.
• Chicago Urban League: Fellow Illinois affiliate of the National Urban League serving the Chicago/Cook County region. Directly comparable mission, program portfolio (workforce, youth, economic empowerment), and funding model; cited in QCUL's own gala co-sponsorship list.
• YWCA Metropolitan Chicago: Community-based nonprofit delivering workforce development, youth empowerment, and economic empowerment programs in the Chicago metro. Directly comparable service delivery model and target populations.
• NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People): National civil rights organization with local branches providing economic empowerment, education, and advocacy programming. Shares QCUL's equity-focused mission and donor base.

Broad incumbents

• United Way of Metropolitan Chicago: Large-scale community fundraising and grantmaking organization that competes with QCUL for corporate donations and supports many of the same social-service domains (workforce, housing, education).
• National Urban League: Parent/federated network of which QCUL is one of 92 affiliates. Operates nationally on policy, advocacy, and large-scale program design; QCUL executes the local delivery model.

Others

• Illinois Workforce Partnership: Statewide network of workforce development organizations and Workforce Innovation Boards. Acts as both a partner ecosystem and a competing voice for the same workforce-training grant pools QCUL draws from.

Regional players

• Peoria Area Urban League: Illinois Urban League affiliate in central Illinois delivering workforce development, youth education, and civil rights programming. Comparable programmatic footprint to QCUL.
• Springfield Urban League: Affiliate of the National Urban League serving central Illinois with a similar workforce, youth, and economic empowerment portfolio. Comparable operating model in a different Illinois geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/QCUL
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCpv4_UlqS7VP3B5mi72kKVw?view_as=subscriber
• Facebookfacebook.com/quadcounty.urbanleague
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/quad-county-urban-league
• Instagraminstagram.com/quadcountyurbanleague
• TikToktiktok.com/@quadcountyul
• Pinterestpinterest.com/quadcountyurbanleague

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 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 Quad County Urban League