Chronic Absenteeism Initiative

Focused on improving student attendance, Every Day Counts is a new citywide initiative designed to reverse the trend of chronic absenteeism in Chicago through collaboration, innovation, and bold action.

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Our Goal

Over the next five years, A Better Chicago is partnering with communities across the city to meaningfully reduce chronic absenteeism in Chicago. We will begin our work by focusing on improving attendance among students in six Chicago communities—Austin, Englewood, Garfield Park, South Lawndale, South Shore, and Woodlawn. These neighborhoods are home to strong families, schools, and community organizations, yet face disproportionate challenges with student attendance. Reversing the trend is essential to ensuring every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

Every Day Counts is guided by a Three-Pillar Framework:

Be Here

Ensuring students have the necessary supports to attend school consistently

Belong Here

Fostering environments where students feel seen, valued, and connected to peers and adults in their schools and communities

Thrive Here

Equipping students with the tools to shape their learning and take ownership of their futures

Request for Proposals

To launch Every Day Counts, A Better Chicago is developing an open Request for Proposals (RFP) process that elevates proven strategies while also encouraging emerging, creative approaches to reducing absenteeism. We expect to complete our due diligence phase by early 2026, after which we will invest in a select group of organizations that will form the inaugural Every Day Counts cohort. Together, this cohort will build a vibrant learning community focused on accelerating progress and ultimately reducing chronic absenteeism across Chicago.

Timeline

Application Launch: January, 2026
Application Close: February, 2026
Selection: Grants awarded by July, 2026

Funding Information

Annual funding range:
Up to $500,000 per year
(dependent on project scope)

Grant period:
12 months
with the potential for annual renewal based on performance and outcomes

About Every Day Counts

The evidence has long been clear that persistent absence from school contributes to lower academic achievement, reduced graduation rates, and diminished long-term economic opportunities for young people. At A Better Chicago, we aim to reverse the trend of chronic absenteeism by collaborating with partners across the city to improve student attendance and belonging.

In the coming weeks, we will share more details about the RFP process and how organizations can apply for funding. We will provide dedicated opportunities for Q&A following the official launch to support equity of access and ensure consistent information for all potential applicants.

Learn more about the Every Day Counts initiative