Sponsorships & Tickets

2026 Annual Benefit and Celebration

Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026

The Annual Benefit is Chicago Humanities’ signature fundraiser and one of Chicago’s premier fall events. Bringing together Chicago’s civic, corporate, and philanthropic leaders, together we raise critical funds which bring our programs to life.

All proceeds from the evening ensure Chicago Humanities remains our city’s home for vital civic and cultural conversations as we fulfill our mission to amplify new ideas and voices in ways only the arts and humanities are able — with depth, power, perspective, and passion.

The Geraghty

2520 S Hoyne Ave, Chicago, IL 60608
Reception 6 – 7 p.m. CT
Dinner and Program 7 – 9 p.m. CT

Honorees

Changemaker Award
Obama Foundation

Civic Leadership Award
Robert R. McCormick Foundation

Humanist of the Year
Shermann "Dilla" Thomas

Evening Program

The evening will feature acclaimed author, artist, performer, and activist Sandra Cisneros, author of The House on Mango Street, in conversation with Poetry Foundation President Michelle Boone.

For more information, or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Michelle Schwartz, Associate Director of Board & Corporate Relations, at mschwartz@chicagohumanities.org or (517) 605-5934