About the Foundation

Discover the Gilbert Chamber Foundation, where community members can make a meaningful impact through civic engagement, workforce development, and education. We empower individuals by providing access to essential tools and resources, giving a voice to those who need it most, and bringing together local businesses and leaders to collaborate for positive change. Together, we’re a catalyst for growth, uplifting our community and creating opportunities for everyone. Join us in making a difference!

The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, was established in 2016 and is dedicated to advancing the quality of life in Gilbert through education, leadership, and community enhancement.

Our Foundation programming is diverse and multifaceted. We serve youth to seniors and every age in between. We serve people from all backgrounds through our free or low-cost programming. From students in our shadowing and mentoring program to citizens looking to impact their neighborhoods to prospective business owners in ideation mode to those who benefit from our adopt a senior program, we exist to serve the community from all vantage points. Our endeavor is to engage and advance all voices within the community by providing more students, teachers, seniors, and business owners the opportunity to level up their education, initiatives, motivation, and career livelihoods with access to interdisciplinary and integrated programs.

These endeavors support enriching and educational programming accessible to those who might otherwise be required to pay for it. By offering free to low-cost programming, we provide resources for those who may have the most need. Our civic engagement programming is completely free and open to all. Most events offer music, food, dialogue, inspirational and informative messaging, and opportunities to collaborate and build community. Our business and education programming is also completely free for students and teachers as we continually develop ways to prepare and enhance our workforce.

These endeavors support the community through education and workforce development by enabling our foundation to provide space, coaching, mentorship, interdisciplinary workshops, food, transportation, and guidance. We strive to enhance the experience people have in education, business, and their neighborhoods. We believe in a holistic approach to enrichment, offering a suite of opportunities to expand upon, and elevate, people’s interests, needs, and passions.

We know our business community is generous - always looking for opportunities to help meet the needs of our residents and local non-profits.

This holiday program benefits Gilbert’s income-challenged senior citizens as well as home-bound seniors and disabled Gilbert residents. Members of the community adopt a senior by requesting a wish list, then shopping for and returning the items to the Chamber. Lists average $25 in cost. 968 Seniors have been adopted and 10 holiday parties have been hosted for income-challenged seniors in Gilbert since 2010.

Additionally, the Chamber Foundation hosts a holiday party for our income-challenged seniors and provides breakfast, entertainment by local students, and gift bags for all attendees. Donations of gift cards and other items are appreciated so we may provide guests with gifts and giveaways.

Typically held in November and December.

Founded in 1991, Gilbert Leadership brings together individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to develop their leadership potential and to expose participants to the issues impacting our community. By understanding the needs and concerns in a wide variety of areas, these individuals will be better able to contribute their resources to making a difference in many ways.

The Gilbert Chamber Foundation champions a stronger Gilbert through collaborative partnerships between the business, government, and education communities. Together, we foster a pro-business environment with a specific focus on the growth, expansion, and retention of businesses in the Town of Gilbert. This includes our efforts to support a strong workforce and talent pipeline for the success and sustainability of our local businesses. The Gilbert Chamber Foundation works to connect business, education, and government for an ongoing and collaborative conversation regarding Gilbert's workforce needs to support educators, students, and families for a stronger Gilbert.

The Gilbert Chamber Foundation’s Civic Engagement work aims to reboot civic learning and reignite community engagement. With our quarterly civic events and initiative with the National Civics Bee, we encourage citizens to address social issues and foster community resilience, thereby increasing the community's overall health. Addressing the decline in civic knowledge requires concerted efforts in education, community engagement, and public discourse. By revitalizing civic education and fostering a culture of active citizenship, we can strengthen our connection to the country and ensure the health and vitality of not just our democracy but our society.

The Gilbert Chamber Foundation is dedicated to advancing the quality of life in Gilbert through education, leadership, and community enhancement. The funds raised at these events help us to sustain and improve upon important programs, including Gilbert Leadership, Adopt-A-Senior, and our workforce initiatives.

For a full list of all Programs please visit our Foundation Programs page.