The CCRx Story

The Creative Chicago Reuse Exchange is a 501c3 nonprofit organization launched in 2017 to redistribute donations of clean, safe + working materials, supplies + equipment to Chicago teachers, nonprofits, arts + community groups.   

We spark creativity and environmental stewardship through programs and collaborations.  

We believe -- we know! -- that trash is just a failure of imagination!

Our mission is to keep good things out of the landfill and into the hands of people who can use them.

Our vision is for a sharing + circular economy in which creative reuse is an integral part of Chicago' and the region's infrastructure.

Our vision is for a sharing + circular economy in which creative reuse is an integral part of Chicagoland's infrastructure.

Inspiration

Our inspiration begins with New York City's Materials for the Arts (see their video, left) and extends to local best practices like SCARCE, Chicago Furniture Bank, the Resource Center, EAL Green and others.

Supporters

CCRx is supported by the Chicago Teachers Union Foundation, Envision Unlimited, The Chicago Fund for Safe and Peaceful Communities/Chicago Community Trust, Harper Court Arts Council, the Rebuild Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council (a state agency), the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, many individual donors... and, hopefully, YOU!