In order for policy makers, funders, researchers, and others concerned with the well-being of children and families to appreciate and act on the potential of primary supports, more information is needed about their scope and availability and about the degree and kinds of financial support allocated to these activities and resources. This paper explores the possibility of gaining a general appreciation of the prevalence and financing of primary supports in Chicago, with particular attention to the Grand Boulevard community. Although it is not possible to inventory all of the activities, facilities, and events that make up the primary supports sector, the authors have attempted to enhance understanding of the value and limitations of currently available information and to frame recommendations about the types of studies and databases that might facilitate an increased understanding of the primary supports resources currently available.