We regret that due to the continuing economic downturn, which has had a negative impact on the Foundation’s assets, the Polk Bros. Foundation will not be awarding capital grants in 2012.  

We are doing this to maintain our primary commitment to programmatic funding for Chicago nonprofits.  We hope to be able to resume our capital grants program in 2013 and will post information regarding those grants in late 2012.

For informational purposes only, we are leaving the 2008 guidelines on our website but we will not make capital grants in 2012.

Guidelines for Capital Grants up to $1 Million

The board of directors of the Polk Bros. Foundation will consider capital grant requests of up to $1 million, in order to build on the Foundation’s efforts to improve the quality of life for the people of Chicago.

To be considered for a capital grant, an organization must have received at least three program grants from the Foundation, the most recent within 18 months of the meeting at which the capital request will be reviewed. Receiving a capital grant does not preclude an organization from receiving ongoing programmatic support from the Polk Bros. Foundation.

Application Requirements

Capital grant proposals should be three to five pages in length and include the following:

1. A narrative describing the purpose, scope, and impact of the capital campaign on the organization’s programs. If the project is not currently under construction, explain what must occur for work to begin.
2. A budget specifying the total dollar amount to be raised and how the funds will be used.
3. An itemized list of the ten largest private donors to date and the amounts given.
4. An itemized list of any government support received for the project.
5. A timeline from the date of submission to project completion.
6. If appropriate, the specific use of Polk Bros. Foundation funds.

Applicants may also submit plans and drawings for the project.

Before submitting a proposal for capital support, organizations should be aware that capital grants will be approved more selectively than program grants. The amount allocated for capital grants is substantially less than the funds available for program grants, and capital requests are typically much larger than program requests.

The Foundation will consider capital grant proposals at its annual August board meeting, beginning in fiscal year 2008.