How the Gilbert Chamber Foundation Builds a Stronger Community
In communities across the nation, economic success isn’t measured solely by booming industries or bustling town centers—it’s measured by how well a community prepares its people to thrive, contribute, and lead. That’s the heart of the work carried out by the Gilbert Chamber Foundation.
As the charitable arm of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, the Foundation exists to invest in people. From students exploring future careers to professionals stepping into civic leadership roles, the Foundation bridges education, business, and community to build a Gilbert that is not just growing—but growing with intention, inclusion, and opportunity for all.
What Chamber Foundations Really Do
While chambers of commerce are often seen as business advocacy hubs, their foundations take that mission a step further by focusing on the long game—developing a strong, diverse pipeline of future workers, community leaders, and engaged citizens.
At the Gilbert Chamber Foundation, this mission plays out across several core areas:
1. Investing in the Workforce of Tomorrow
Through programs like Career Shadowing and Mentoring and the Interview Skills Challenge, the Foundation collaborates with local schools and employers to better align education with workforce needs. Students participate in career exploration days, job shadowing, and hands-on mentorship that helps them connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities.
This work is particularly meaningful for students from underrepresented communities, who may not have professional role models or career exposure at home. By offering access and guidance early, the Foundation helps level the playing field.
2. Developing Civically Engaged Leaders
Programs like Gilbert Leadership and A Civic Event and the National Civics Bee are more than just professional development—they’re incubators for civic impact. Participants learn about local government, education, infrastructure, and nonprofit systems while building strong connections with other emerging leaders.
Participants in these programs go on to serve on local boards, launch initiatives, and take on leadership roles across sectors. They carry with them a shared commitment to creating a Gilbert that works for everyone.
3. Fostering Belonging and Civic Pride
A growing community needs intentional strategies to maintain cohesion and inclusion. The Foundation addresses this through initiatives focused on belonging, equity, and representation—ensuring all voices are welcomed and valued.
By engaging businesses in this conversation, the Foundation helps create workplace cultures that reflect the diversity of Gilbert and actively contribute to community well-being.
4. Supporting Entrepreneurship and Small Business Growth
Through its partnership in The CATALYST – Gilbert’s Business Resource Center and the Young Entrepreneur’s Academy, the Foundation helps emerging entrepreneurs—particularly those from underserved backgrounds—gain access to mentorship, training, and technical support.
This is critical in ensuring that Gilbert’s economic growth includes room for new ideas, diverse business owners, and broad-based opportunity.
5. Philanthropy with Purpose
The Foundation also engages in scholarship fundraising and nonprofit partnerships that provide direct support to residents in need—whether that’s through youth development programs or initiatives that address housing and food insecurity.
The Bigger Picture
In all of this, the Gilbert Chamber Foundation remains focused on a central idea: A stronger community is one that invests in people first.
When students can see a future for themselves, when professionals feel empowered to lead, and when entrepreneurs from all backgrounds can grow and thrive—that’s when a town like Gilbert becomes more than a great place to do business. It becomes a great place to belong.
And that’s the true legacy the Gilbert Chamber Foundation is working to build—one leader, one entrepreneur, and one opportunity at a time.