The Richard Kosmacher Fund honors the life and legacy of Richard Kosmacher, a longtime advocate for active transportation who cared deeply about social justice and the sustainability of our planet. The fund supports the multi-modal work of the Active Transportation Alliance.
Richard was a devoted cyclist and environmentalist for more than 50 years. He was an adventurous long-distance rider, a bike commuter, and would regularly ride city streets and local trails with his family. His final position before his untimely passing was as a SAFE (Streets are For Everyone) Ambassador for the City of Chicago, a program run by the Active Transportation Alliance.
In addition to his passion for cycling, Richard was also a carsharing pioneer and he worked in the carsharing field for nearly two decades. He joined IGO Carsharing in 2005 and worked enthusiastically to expand the organization’s reach and introduce carsharing to new communities. Richard managed numerous partnerships and outreach efforts across diverse neighborhoods. He led IGO’s participation in the annual Bike the Drive event, where he loved engaging with participants — especially families and new riders — sharing his passion and encouragement.
IGO’s mission was to make it possible for everyone to live well without owning a car — a principal Richard continued to embrace long after IGO ceased operations. He remained committed to the environmental, economic, and health benefits of multi-modal active transportation.
After IGO, Richard spent many years providing strategic guidance, business development, and hands-on support to nonprofit carsharing organizations serving disadvantaged communities in rural areas of California and upstate New York.
Richard was also a strong believer and user of public transit and advocated for policies that would improve service and accessibility. Richard lived his values every day — actively contributing to his Albany Park community and working in local public schools.
The Richard Kosmacher Fund will continue to spread Richard’s enthusiasm and optimism by supporting Active Transportation Alliance interns and staff who are working to advance multi-modal policies that make it easier and safer for everyone to get around the Chicago area without a car.
This fund will be guided by Melissa Sterne (Richard’s wife) and their sons, Evan and Gabe Kosmacher. The fund was initiated by Sharon Feigon and Steven Bialer to honor Richard’s legacy.
Active Transportation Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All gifts to this fund are fully tax deductible to the extent the law provides.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE FUND
Mail a check to:
Active Transportation Alliance
Attn: Norma Samame
35 E Wacker Drive, Suite 1782
Chicago, IL 60601
Please include in the check memo: Richard Kosmacher Fund
Make a gift from an IRA account
To make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from an IRA account, please contact your IRA trustee to request the disbursement. You may also need to provide some basic information, like our address and EIN (below). Please be sure include a memo that the donation is for the Richard Kosmacher Fund.
Active Transportation Alliance
Attn: Norma Samame
35 E Wacker Drive, Suite 1782
Chicago, IL 60601
EIN: 36-3385886
Make a gift of stock
We are able to accept gifts of appreciated stock. For more information, please reach out to Julie Strand, Development Director at [email protected]
Make a gifts by ACH or wire
We are able to accept gifts by ACH or wire transfer. For more information, please reach out to Julie Strand, Development Director at [email protected].