Chance the Rapper Donates a Million Dollars to Chicago Schools

Chance the Rapper is truly for the kids. He donated a million dollars to Chicago Public School for arts and enrichment programming.

Grammy-winning artist Chance the Rapper is proving that Kit Kat money must be lit! Yesterday, he announced his donation of $1 million dollars for the exclusive use of Chicago Public Schools in the arts and enrichment department. Chance made the announcement at his former stomping grounds Westcott Elementary School of West Chatham. This act of generosity all came about after Chance met with Illinois Governor, Bruce Rauner to discuss issues of state funding towards the Chicago public education system. He was so dissatisfied with the interaction that Chance decided to do something. He did vent his frustration with the Governor during the press conference. Chance revealed to reporters, “Our talks were unsuccessful” after Governor wanted to tag on caveats to the funding for CPS. He also didn’t mince words when he implored the Governor to “Do your job!”

During the conference Chance also outlined how he’s going to pay for his donation. The $1 million donations will be made possible through ticket sales of his spring tour. Concert promoters Live Nation, AEG and Ticketmaster and local venues and promoters across the country will work together to make sure it happens. Chance’s non-profit, Social Works, will match every $100,000 raised for the CPS with an additional $10,000. The money will be earmarked specifically for Chicago public schools. The first school to get a 10,000 check was Westcott Elementary School.

Here’s the full video of Chance the Rapper’s press conference at Westcott Elementary School.

During the press conference, Chance the Rapper spoke to reporters about his motivation to do something when faced with apathy from the Government of Chicago.

"“It’s constantly talked about. But we’re about to enhance the conversation. As a private citizen, as a parent and as a product of CPS, I’m asking that you guys join and fight with me, organize with me, mobilize with me, for the interest of the children of Chicago. This is the very beginning.”"

His incredible donation even caught the eye of fellow Southsider and our former First Lady, Michelle Obama.

What Chance the Rapper is doing is extraordinary. Chance channeled his frustration into doing something real and tangible for the children of Chicago. Hopefully, this act will inspire other artists to do the same. Don’t forget where you come from and what it did for you. Chance the Rapper is launching a huge spring tour for his album The Coloring Book. Make sure you go out and support him, you know, for the kids.

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Tell us what you think of Chance the Rapper’s donation in the comments section.