Ellen-Blair Chube, a William Blair partner and a managing director with the firm’s investment banking team, received the emerging philanthropist award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) in Chicago at its annual gala held November 15.
For 46 years, AFP Chicago has honored committed, passionate individuals and corporations for their work on behalf of the nonprofit organizations that AFP Chicago serves. Its annual award program recognizes the outstanding achievements of individuals, foundations and corporate philanthropists, fundraising volunteers, and fundraising executives who demonstrate high ethical standards and exemplify the philanthropic spirit of Chicago.
Chube, who has nearly two decades of strategic leadership experience spanning government and private sector, was recognized for her philanthropic leadership and impact at organizations such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, the Obama Foundation Inclusion Council, and Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly the Chicago Children’s Choir). Among her many accomplishments was co-chairing the Uniting Voices 2019 gala, the most successful event at that time, raising $1.6 million in operation funds. Chube also nominated Uniting Voices as a William Blair community partner in 2019, championing the group and its young artists throughout the pandemic when choral training and programs went virtual.
“Ellen-Blair’s dedication and commitment to organizations across the city … reflect the breadth and impact of her involvement,” said Uniting Voices Chicago President Josephine Lee, who nominated Chube for the award. “With her innovative approach to philanthropy, Ellen-Blair is the leader the future needs.”
In accepting the award, Chube thanked the nonprofit organizations and colleagues she has worked with over the years who have inspired her by their commitment and passion to strengthening communities.
“When I moved here 11 years ago after working in public service in Washington, D.C., I knew there was going to be some amount of culture shock moving to the private sector,” she said. “But I was pleasantly surprised to find a business community here that takes its civic responsibility seriously and is so very generous.”