Programs

  • Chicago Restaurant Worker Relief Fund

    The Chicago Restaurant Worker Relief Fund was created to help Chicago restaurant, bar and coffee shop workers who are experiencing hardship from the COVID-19 crisis. This fund provides emergency relief grants based on need to these workers who have lost wages or employment due to the shutdown for the pandemic. Grants are awarded to applicants who meet eligibility requirements, including demonstrated need, as assessed by Southern Smoke Foundation. During 2021, grants totaling $2,092,414.00 were awarded to 409 applicants through the Chicago Restaurant Worker Relief Fund.
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jan 1, 2021 – Dec 31, 2021
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
    –
    $2.5M

  • Emergency Relief Fund

    Southern Smoke provides funding to individuals in the food and beverage industry who are in crisis. Established in 2016, our emergency relief fund has distributed more than $8.3 million to individuals in the food and beverage industry in crisis. Recipients in crisis experience needs related to medical bills, car accidents, weather catastrophes, family support assistance, and mental health. In 2021, the emergency relief fund provided relief to 577 individuals. To qualify for emergency relief funding, recipients must have worked in the food and beverage industry for a minimum of 6 months and an average of 30 hours per week. Every applicant must show proof of such employment by providing paycheck stubs and/or W2s.
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jan 1, 2021 – Dec 31, 2021
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
    –
    $1.9M

  • Program 1 [2024]

    Southern Smoke provides funding to individuals in the food and beverage industry who are in crisis. Established in 2016, our emergency relief fund has distributed more than $11.6 million to individuals in the food and beverage industry in crisis. Recipients in crisis experience needs related to medical bills, car accidents, weather catastrophes, family support assistance, and mental health. In 2024, the emergency relief fund provided relief to 1,950 individuals. To qualify for emergency relief funding or mental health services (described below in Line 4b), recipients must have worked in the food and beverage industry for a minimum of 6 months and an average of 30 hours per week. Every applicant must show proof of such employment by providing paycheck stubs and/or W2s.
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jan 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
    –
    $3.5M