If your organization is a current or past grantee of the Polk Bros. Foundation, a pre-application is not necessary. Please email questions@polkbrosfdn.org or call our office to inquire about seeking renewed support.

A pre-application may be submitted if the grant-seeking organization:

• » is located in the city of Chicago. Exceptions may be made only when services are provided in the Chicago area and Chicago residents make up (a) the majority of the total population served by the organization and (b) at least 80% of those served by the program for which support is requested.
• » has been in operation for at least one year
• » has at least one paid staff person
• » has 501c(3) non-profit status (or a fiscal agent with same)
• » has completed a 990 tax return or audit for the previous fiscal year
• » had actual cash expenses of at least $75,000, not including in-kind expenses, during the previous fiscal year; and
• » received two or more grants of at least $2,500 each from private foundations or corporations during the most recent and/or current fiscal year.

All of the above conditions must be met.

Please note that if an interim executive director is in place, we may defer consideration of the organization’s proposal until a permanent replacement has been hired.