Who We Are

Funding priorities

We focus on programs that improve conditions for low-income, underserved communities in Chicago

We are especially interested in efforts that will foster learning and innovation. Within our three program areas (Arts Learning, Education, and Employment), we give priority to:

  1. Programs with a demonstrated record of high-quality, effective services;

  2. Efforts to improve the quality and effectiveness of programs and services (which might include program design, evaluation or staff development efforts, among others);

  3. The development of innovative approaches that will contribute valuable examples, information, and knowledge to others working in the field; and

  4. Policy advocacy efforts that help ensure low-income communities and individuals in Chicago are treated fairly and have access to the services they need and deserve.

We look for exceptional potential

We invest in organizations and ideas that demonstrate exceptional potential for developing new information or program innovations useful to other organizations, institutions, and policymakers—especially projects which demonstrate the potential to help advance the field of practice. In these cases, the Foundation will consider grants which represent larger or longer-term commitments than is otherwise typical.

In all reviews of applications, we look for strong program designs with clear expected outcomes and specific procedures for assessing and evaluating progress. We give priority to applications for specific projects rather than for general operating support.