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CHESS Foundation NFP CHESS represents Support for Children, the Homeless, the Elderly, the Sick, and those Suffering. We provide HOPE to those most vulnerable.

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    Violence Prevention | CHESS Foundation NFP | Nonprofit Support Chicago families, students, and community members deserve to move through their day with greater safety and peace of mind. As part of our Violence Prevention program, the CHESS Foundation NFP is raising funds to provide Safe Life Defense Backpack Armor Panels — flexible, lightweight, water-resistant protection that fits discreetly inside everyday backpacks. These panels deliver the same trusted multi-threat protection found in Safe Life Defense ballistic vests, now in a convenient backpack-ready design. They are Self Structured® for comfort and support, feature tapered edges for an easy fit in a wide variety of packs, and can even be used on their own. Product Highlights • Self Structured® for increased durability and an effortless fit • Tapered edges for a perfect fit • Durable 600d Polyester Carrier • Water and stain resistant • Dimensions: 11″ × 14″ Protection Levels Available • Level IIIA (HG2) – Bullet, Strike & Slash Protection. Defends against common handgun rounds (.357, 9mm, .45 ACP, up to .44 Magnum and 12-gauge slugs) plus strike and slash threats. • Level IIIA+ – All Level IIIA protection plus stab (up to 36J), taser, and many armor-piercing handgun/shotgun threats. • HYPERLINE™ IIIA – Hyper-thin (0.19″) and lightweight proprietary composite with excellent blunt-force and multi-hit performance against handgun and shotgun threats. • FRAS – Rifle-rated protection against .223 / 5.56 (including Green Tip, M193, M855, SS109) and 7.62×39 lead-core ammunition. At only ~5.3 pounds, it is among the most protective and comfortable backpack armor options available. How Your Gift Helps 100% of funds raised (after platform fees) will be used to purchase Safe Life Defense backpack armor panels and distribute them through our community outreach, school partnerships, and 24/7 hotline (855-581-HOPE). Recipients may include students, families in high-risk areas, outreach workers, and others identified through our Violence Prevention efforts. We prioritize transparent, direct impact — approximately 85% of all foundation resources go straight to programs. The CHESS Foundation NFP is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 86-3398992) founded in 2021 by Ronnell Winfrey. CHESS stands for Children, Homeless, Elderly, Sick, and Suffering. Our mission goes beyond emergency aid: we restore hope, address root causes, and empower people toward self-reliance and dignity. Royal blue is our color of trust. Learn more and explore all of our programs at chesscharities.org. Donate by text: 487777 to 801801. Every gift moves us closer to safer streets and stronger communities. Thank you for standing with us. With gratitude, Ronnell Winfrey Founder & Executive Director CHESS Foundation NFP
    The CHESS Foundation NFP— to move beyond temporary relief and help people rebuild with dignity, support, and hope. Right now, too many of our neighbors in Chicago are sleeping outside with no protection from the cold, rain, or danger. A safe place to rest is more than shelter. It is dignity. It is safety. It is the first step toward stability. That’s why we’re raising funds to purchase emergency shelter kits. Each Woanger Emergency Shelter Kit includes: • 1 lightweight pop-up tents (blue and green) • Rainflies for waterproof protection • Fiberglass poles for quick, easy setup • Carrying bags for easy transport and distribution • Sleeping mats . Tooth brushes . Toothpaste . Socks Etc… These tents are designed for rapid deployment — ideal for outreach, disaster relief, and immediate support for people experiencing homelessness. One kit can provide temporary shelter for multiple individuals or families. 100% of the funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward purchasing these tents and supplies and getting them into the hands of those who need them most. Our team personally distributes supplies through outreach and our 24/7 hotline (855-581-HOPE). When you give, you’re not just funding a tent. You’re offering a moment of safety, a night of rest, and a reminder that someone cares. You’re helping turn pain into purpose — one shelter at a time. Hope is the key. Join us in bringing shelter, dignity, and a path forward to Chicago’s most vulnerable. Thank you for standing with us. With gratitude, Ronnell Winfrey Founder & Executive Director CHESS Foundation NFP chesscharities.org 24/7 Hotline: 855-581-HOPE
    Exciting update! Our College Scholarship Fund is live on GoFundMe and ready to support the Class of 2027. Dedicated to the memory of Joyce Oatman, the CHESS Foundation NFP helps high school graduates nationwide cover tuition, books, supplies, and essential costs—so they can focus on their future instead of financial stress. Your tax-deductible gift opens doors and builds self-reliance. Be the first to donate and inspire others to join in! https://gofund.me/cf32d8e0f Eligibility highlights: 2027 HS graduate, 2.5+ GPA, 20+ community service hours, letter of recommendation, college acceptance, transcript + short essay. Full details & apply: chesscharities.org/scholarship-elgibility Applications due May 1, 2027. Together, we turn hope into opportunity. ❤️ — Ronnell Winfrey, Executive Director CHESS Foundation NFP | 855-581-HOPE
    College Fund – CHESS Foundation NFP Scholarships Dedicated to the memory of Joyce Oatman Help a student keep going. The CHESS Foundation NFP College Fund supports our Scholarship Program, dedicated to the memory of Joyce Oatman. We are a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 86-3398992). CHESS represents support for Children, the Homeless, the Elderly, the Sick, and those Suffering. Our work goes beyond emergency aid. We restore hope, remove barriers, and help people build self-reliance and dignity. Your gift helps cover tuition, books, supplies, and other essential costs so high school graduates can focus on college instead of financial stress. The scholarship is open to students nationwide—not only in Chicago. Class of 2027 Eligibility Highlights • 2027 high school graduate (U.S.) • Cumulative 2.5 GPA or higher • At least 20 hours of community service • Letter of recommendation • Acceptance to an incoming college class (proof required) • Transcript and a short essay (250 words) Full requirements and application: https://chesscharities.org/scholarship-elgibility Applications are due May 1, 2027. Gifts to CHESS Foundation NFP are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You will receive a receipt. Share this page or give what you can. Every gift moves a student closer to the next step. With gratitude, Ronnell Winfrey Executive Director CHESS Foundation NFP 855-581-HOPE
    Help a student keep going. The CHESS Foundation NFP College Fund supports our Scholarship Program, dedicated to the memory of Joyce Oatman. We are a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 86-3398992) CHESS represents support for Children, the Homeless, the Elderly, the Sick, and those Suffering. Our work goes beyond emergency aid. We restore hope, remove barriers, and help people build self-reliance and dignity. Your gift helps cover tuition, books, supplies, and other essential costs so high school graduates can focus on college instead of financial stress. The scholarship is open to not only students in Chicago but nation wiide. Class of 2027 eligibility highlights • 2027 high school graduate • Cumulative 2.5 GPA or higher • At least 20 hours of community service • Letter of recommendation • Acceptance to an incoming college class (proof required) • Transcript and a short essay Full requirements and application: https://chesscharities.org/scholarship-elgibility Applications are due May 1, 2027. Gifts to CHESS Foundation NFP are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You will receive a receipt. Share this page or give what you can. Every gift moves a student closer to the next step. With gratitude, Ronnell Winfrey Executive Director CHESS Foundation NFP 855-581-HOPE