Ryan: $700,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $700,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago, including $500,000 to the Chicago Foundation for Women to fund computer hardware and software for not-for-profit community organizations serving women and girls in Chicago and the five collar counties.

The improved technology will assist the organizations in managing workloads, improve efficiency, and expand the opportunities and resources available to assist women and girls in becoming independent and self-sufficient members of society.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $200,000 to the Cosmopolitan Chamber of Commerce to establish an e-Business Development Center with training and work centers and a mobile, wireless teaching lab.

These Illinois FIRST projects were initiated by Senate Democrat Leader Emil Jones, Jr., Chicago.