Kroc Community Centers

In January 2004, it was announced that Joan Kroc, wife of McDonald's founder Ray Kroc, bequeathed The Salvation Army with the largest individual philanthropic gift to a single organization in excess of $1.5 billion. The funds are to be used to construct and develop world-class recreational, educational and ministry centers that will provide life-enriching, if not life-altering, possibilities to people from all walks of life.

This generous gift presented The Salvation Army with a unique challenge and opportunity. All funds received from Mrs. Kroc are restricted for use only within these facilities, meaning they could not be used toward the life-sustaining ministries The Salvation Army provides daily such as food, shelter and clothing.

"This is an unprecedented opportunity for The Salvation Army to further its mission in an innovative setting. Through each Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corp Community Center (RJKCCC), we will be able to reach out to our communities with programs and services that we have never been able to provide before," said Commissioner Ken Baillie, who oversees The Salvation Army's work in the 11 Midwestern States.

Mrs. Kroc's gift was divided equally and given to The Salvation Army's four regional (territorial) headquarters in Des Plaines, Ill., West Nyack, N.Y., Atlanta, Ga., and Long Beach. Calif. Each region (territory) established a process to seek and review applications from local communities interested in a RJKCCC, ensuring the key goals of mission and ministry, financial stability, community collaboration and involvement, and design and construction were brought to fruition.

In the Midwest, of the initial 39 communities interested in RJKCCCs, 10 were chosen to submitted comprehensive proposals that included design plans for construction, equipping, programming and staffing. They also included detailed reports, studies and development proposals for local fundraising pledges that must match or exceed 50 percent of the project's endowment needs, thereby encouraging the community-wide participation that was envisioned by Mrs. Kroc. The proposals are reviewed and site visits are made by a committee before approval is given to begin the final development phase.

Seven communities in the Midwest have received approval to receive funds to build and endow a RJKCCC. For more information on the individual centers click on the location:

Chicago, Ill.

Across the nation additional sites have been approved for final development phase. For more information on sites outside the Midwest visit www.salvationarmyusa.org