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Innovators: The Next Generation of Chicago Philanthropists
Lurie Children’s is a national leader in pediatric care and research, relentless in our drive to transform futures against often daunting odds. But progress doesn’t happen on its own. If you believe every child deserves a healthier future, join us and become an Innovator.
As an Innovator, you'll network with other outstanding philanthropists, get a behind-the-scenes view of our life changing research and programs and leave a lasting impact on our patients and families. The Innovators program offers the opportunity to have unparalleled access to medical center leaders and learn about programs in need of key philanthropic support. Members commit to the program with an annual investment that is collectively pooled to fund a project chosen by the group. At the end of the year, the group gathers to hear proposal pitches from physicians and researchers and then votes on one of three projects to fund.
This unique program designed to bridge the gap between emerging leaders and philanthropy is unmatched by anything in Chicago. Innovators has identified the next generation of Chicago’s emerging civic leaders.
Commit to Progress
- Commit a minimum $5,000 investment that will be pooled with other Innovators for a collaborative impact.
- Learn about the high priority needs at Lurie Children’s as you meet leading-edge clinicians and researchers who are shaping a healthier future for every child.
- Help us choose: Innovators convene to collectively select a project to fund.
Convene with Purpose
Four times a year, Innovators gather to be informed and empowered through conversations with caregivers, patients, physician-scientists and fellow philanthropists. Opportunities include:
- Behind-the-scenes tours of Lurie Children's state-of-the-art facility.
- Ability to brainstorm with medical leaders on solutions to important issues.
- Connections to other thought-leaders and philanthropists through networking and engagement opportunities.
See Our Impact
Since its inception in 2018, Innovators has raised more than $1 million for dynamic and important research projects across divisions. This exciting milestone and the impact the program has had on Precision Medicine Oncology, the Chicago Institute for Fetal Health, and Child Abuse Pediatrics is celebrated here.
In 2021, Innovators focused on Neurosurgery and specifically funded Michael DeCuypere, MD, PhD’s initiative to bring novel clinical trials for pediatric brain tumor patients to Lurie Children’s.
Join Now
Are you interested in becoming a Lurie Children's Innovator?
Corporate Sponsorships
Set the standard for corporate philanthropy and unlock your employee’s potential with Lurie Children’s Innovators.
Corporate leaders that have been represented on Innovators include rising leaders from Skender, Google, Mesirow Financial, JPMorgan Chase, William Blair, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs and others. A full membership listing is available upon request.
To learn how your company can sponsor an Innovator or the Innovators program, review our corporate sponsorship guide.
Sept 2018 - Innovators take a behind-the-scenes lab tour of Precision Medicine Oncology
Nov 2018 - Dr. Xiao Nan-Li presents his research in Precision Medicine Oncology to become the first recipient of Innovators funding
2019 April - Dr. Aimen Shaaban poses with the feature patient family at a 101 event as Innovators learned about the Chicago Institute for Fetal Health
2020 March - Voting in action! An Innovator votes for the area they want to fund at the 2020 Launch Party
2021 Sept - Dr. Michael DeCuypere shows brain surgery equipment at a behind-the-scenes look on neurosurgery at Brainlab
2021 Selection - The ‘class of 2021’ Innovators at the Annual Selection Dinner
Contact Us
Email us at
innovators@luriechildrens.org
Call us at
312.227.7305
Impact Delivered to Your Inbox
Every Child Update is a monthly e-newsletter from Lurie Children's focusing on inspiring patient stories, advances in patient care and research, and opportunities to get involved with the hospital.