Using the Institutes transparency website, IllinoisOpenGov, I found that in 2009, the Department of Commerce gave Chicago Football Classic Incorporated a grant for $50,000. Chicago Football Classic Incorporated is an organization dedicated to supporting educational achievement, promoting cultural excellence and showcasing the spirit, energy and tradition of Historically Black Colleges and Universities throughout the country. This grant was just one of the 4,362 the Department of Commerce gave in 2008 and 2009 at a total cost of $180,200,939.61. We hope to explore more of these grants in the near future, but for now check out previous posts on the 50 largest grants and the lack of transparency in the granting system.
In addition to receiving money from the state, the Chicago Football Classic is sponsored by a number of major corporations including: Nike, Comcast, and Fifth Third Bank.
You can find this information for yourself by going to IllinoisOpenGov.org, clicking on Checks to Businesses & People and searching for Chicago Football Classic Inc. in the vendor section.