Charities and civic organizations know that Chicagoland new-car dealers are an integral part of their communities and are often deeply involved in charitable causes.

However, dealers rarely receive the recognition they deserve for their efforts. The Chicago Automobile Trade Association created Chicagoland Dealers Care in 2008 to raise awareness of dealers’ local charitable efforts and, in many cases, assist with the programs.

Another benefit of being a CATA member is that dealerships may apply to the CATA for additional contributions to local charities they support. Chicagoland Dealers Care provides up to $1,500 in grants to supplement a dealer’s contributions to local charities.

Grant requests can be made every three years for a variety of causes: academic programs, cultural arts, performing arts, medical research and even humanitarian needs, just to name a few.

Since its inception in 2008, the Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated more than $128,000 to local charitable organizations supported by new-car dealers. The program is funded entirely by the CATA and operates under the First Look for Charity Foundation, which has raised more than $60 million for Chicago area nonprofits since the Chicago Auto Show’s black-tie gala began in 1992.

As part of the program, the CATA partners with ABC 7 Chicago to spotlight the charitable deeds that new-car dealers bring to their communities. Some initiatives have been developed into 15-second public service announcement spots on ABC 7; all are shared via local media outreach initiatives, and all are featured on the association’s website, ChicagolandDealersCare.com.

To learn more about the program or apply for a grant, contact the CATA’s Hayley Feichter at hfeichter@drivechicago.com or (630) 424-6084.