About Us
Our Mission
Founded in 1922, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing knowledge and engagement in global affairs. Our in-depth analysis and expert-led public opinion research influence policy conversations and inform the insights we share with our growing community. Through accessible content and open dialogue of diverse, fact-based perspectives, we empower more people to help shape our global future. Learn more about who we are and what drives us.
As an independent, nonpartisan organization, the Council takes no institutional positions.
![Council founders](/sites/default/files/styles/wide_sml/public/2020-12/cofounders-council-hale-hibbard.jpg?h=fee0c2e8&itok=WhV0cY2a)
![Council expert Flavia Carbonari poses a question during a workshop at the Pritzker Forum on Global Cities.](/sites/default/files/styles/wide_sml/public/2020-12/pfgc-workshop-in-bank.jpg?h=8d5bd47e&itok=NkkGbCL-)
![Audience member greets Alaa Murabit, the UN High-Level Commissioner on Health Employment and Economic Growth.](/sites/default/files/styles/wide_sml/public/2022-08/Audience_Engagement_WEGDS19.jpg?h=99c82652&itok=QzKAtCOm)
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Funding
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Diverse funding sources enable the Council to maintain its independence. We are committed to being transparent about the sources of support for our operations, programs, research, and projects, and we retain complete editorial control of our work regardless of funding sources.![A group of people attending a workshop at the Robert R. McCormick Foundation Hall.](/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxsml/public/2023-12/48050950903_e8bafafd1e_k2.jpg?h=2d81be78&itok=Yc1OhFHX)
Connect with Us
![Council board member Jennifer Scanlon speaking at the 2023 Global Leadership Awards.](/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxsml/public/2023-12/CCGA20231030_1415.jpg?h=8edf25df&itok=GKtNWZWq)
The Council’s governing body is composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds who have a fiduciary responsibility to the Council’s future and financial health.
![Two people stand in front of the Chicago Council logo](/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxsml/public/2024-05/53587433618_b8362606ce_k.jpg?h=146d57cc&itok=BKj8l3_a)
Our dedicated staff is deeply invested in creating a more open and promising world for all by fostering greater knowledge of and engagement in global affairs.
![Nonresident Senior Fellow Cecile Shea at a Council program.](/sites/default/files/styles/wide_xxsml/public/2023-12/44290810180_d1919a1913_o.jpg?h=1941b1bc&itok=VtEpLOcB)
Resident and nonresident fellows and experts offer research, analysis, and commentary on a wide range of global issues. Experts are available for interviews.