Apply

Eligibility for funding

Is your organization eligible for funding from the Fry Foundation?

We award grants in the following program areas: Arts Learning, Education, and Employment.

We focus on 501(c)3 organizations based in Chicago. We make grants only to tax-exempt organizations and rarely fund organizations outside Chicago.

In general, the Foundation does not make grants to individuals, governmental entities, or 509a3 supporting organizations, although exceptions sometimes are made for publicly supported charities.

We also do not provide funding for: general operating expenses for new grantees; capital projects; endowments; fundraising events; political activities; medical research; or religious purposes.

We rarely fund unsolicited applications from organizations based outside Chicago. When exceptions are made, we look for organizations with strong local board leaders who are responsible for establishing program priorities and policies in Chicago.

In addition, organizations must agree that funds awarded for programs based in Chicago remain in Chicago and are not included in calculations of funds exchanged between local and national offices.

1. Does your organization currently have 501(c)3 status or a fiscal sponsor?
2. Does the program for which you are seeking funds serve residents of Chicago?
3. Does your request fit into one of our programmatic priorities (Arts Learning, Education, or Employment)?
4. Is your organization NOT an individual, governmental entity, or 509(a)(3) supporting organization?
check
You are eligible to submit a letter of inquiry and, after review, an application.
Please visit How to Apply for next steps.
close
Unfortunately, your organization is not aligned with the Fry Foundation’s priorities.

Please reach out to applications@fryfoundation.org if you have any follow up questions.