Where Construction Meets Community…
The DNA Fund is built on trust, experience, and action. We do not operate from the sidelines. Our team works directly in Chicago neighborhoods, delivering hands on construction training, housing support, and home repairs alongside the communities we serve. Residents trust DNA Fund because we show up, do the work, and produce tangible results.
Our Mission
& Purpose…
The DNA Fund, NFP is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to transforming communities through affordable housing development, workforce training, and critical home repair solutions. We leverage construction as a powerful tool for community development, creating safe, sustainable, and economically sound housing while equipping residents and youth with the skills, education, and opportunities needed to build generational stability. Through housing stabilization, green building practices, workforce development, and community engagement, DNA Fund builds beyond boundaries to strengthen neighborhoods and improve quality of life for those most in need.
Training Today’s Workforce. Building Real Impact.
DNA Fund’s workforce development programs are designed to equip adults and youth with hands on construction skills that lead to real employment opportunities and long term economic stability. Through practical training, safety education, and job readiness support, participants gain industry relevant experience while contributing to meaningful community projects. Our approach connects workforce training directly to community need. Participants help repair homes, support affordable housing initiatives, and engage in neighborhood revitalization while developing transferable skills that prepare them for careers in the skilled trades.
How We Serve
A Nonprofit With A Vision…
We support inner city Chicago by addressing real housing and workforce needs at the neighborhood level. We provide hands on construction training that prepares residents for jobs in the skilled trades while improving the condition of homes and community spaces. Our work focuses on affordable housing support, emergency home repairs, and workforce development efforts that stabilize families, create employment opportunities, and strengthen blocks facing long term disinvestment.
DNA Programs
& Services
Workforce Development
& Job Training
DNA Fund’s workforce development and job training programs prepare individuals for careers in construction and related skilled trades. Participants receive hands on training, safety instruction, and job readiness support that aligns with real industry needs. Our programs focus on building practical skills, improving employability, and creating pathways to sustainable careers while contributing to community based projects that make a visible impact.
Youth Engagement, Development & Mentorship
Our youth engagement and mentorship programs introduce young people to construction, career exploration, and leadership development through hands on learning and positive adult guidance. Youth participants gain exposure to the skilled trades, develop confidence and teamwork skills, and receive mentorship that supports personal growth and future career planning. DNA Fund creates safe, supportive spaces where youth can learn, build, and envision pathways toward long-term success and prosperity. We empower and engagement youth to achieve their goals and dreams.
Economic Development
& Affordable Housing
DNA Fund advances economic development by leading affordable housing development projects and delivering essential home repair and renovation services that help families and seniors maintain safe, stable, and sustainable living environments. From emergency repairs to long-term housing improvements, our work addresses health, safety, and livability needs while investing in historically disinvested communities. By strengthening homes, we strengthen communities.
Custom Trade Training, Mentorship & Development
“The Real in Rehab” is an evidence-based workforce and trade training initiative designed to level the playing field for women and underrepresented communities in real estate investing construction and property rehabilitation. The program combines comprehensive online learning flexible self paced coursework culturally responsive cohorts and hands on experiential learning through real world site visits and practical application. Participants gain industry specific knowledge mentorship networking and career navigation support needed to succeed in male dominated fields while building sustainable pathways to ownership employment and economic mobility.
Educating, Uplifting
& Empowering
Future Builders
“I created the DNA Fund because too many families in inner city Chicago are living in unsafe conditions, while many residents are shut out of good paying jobs. I saw the opportunity to connect the two. By using construction to repair homes and train people at the same time, we can stabilize families, create real careers, and strengthen neighborhoods from the inside out.”
— Dajuan Robinson, DNA Fund Founder & President
Meet Our Founder
& President…
Dajuan Robinson
Builder, Teacher, Community Leader
Dajuan is the CEO of DNA Construction and the Founder and President of the DNA Fund, NFP, where he leads community driven efforts to strengthen Chicago neighborhoods through housing development, workforce training, and mentorship. His journey in construction began at age 7, working alongside his great grandfather on residential rehabilitation projects, and continued through carpentry training in high school classrooms.
With hands-on experience across every stage of development, Dajuan has managed more than $26M in project budgets and delivered over $42M in after repair value. Today, he channels this expertise back into the community through his mentorship initiative “The Real in Rehab” and his nonprofit, DNA, creating pathways to housing stability, job opportunities, and neighborhood reinvestment where they are needed most.
Partnership With U.S. Bank…
As part of a $400K investment to support emerging real estate developers, U.S. Bank partnered with The DNA Fund to provide all grantees access to the Real in Rehab program. Awardees receive advanced training modules, individualized coaching, and capital formation support designed to strengthen development outcomes.