Program Area Guides

The primary focus of the Foundation is on programs that impact populations of need – particularly public school children and their families – in underserved Chicago communities. Very few awards are made to organizations located outside the city of Chicago. Grants are made for both new and ongoing initiatives that improve the quality of life and increase access to services for area residents.

To illuminate the Foundation's preferences within particular funding areas, we have developed guides that identify our theory of change, describe strategies we support and list evaluation criteria that we use during the review process.  These guides may be accessed by clicking on the funding areas highlighted below.

Social Services remains the Foundation’s largest area of funding. Grants support critical services in underserved communities throughout Chicago. There are five focus areas within social services.  Priority is given to long-term, intensive work with clients. Grants are made for workforce development, housing and legal service programs as well as youth and family support programs that promote children’s development, strengthen families and help break the cycle of violence. The Foundation also supports community and economic development programs that stimulate job creation and financial stability.

The Foundation’s continuing commitment to education focuses on increasing student achievement and strengthening the skills of Chicago Public School principals, teachers and parents. We also support adult literacy programs that help people advance their education and meet personal and professional goals. 

Most of the Foundation’s grants for cultural programs support in-school work with Chicago public school students, with priority given to programs that include teacher training.  We also support community-based instruction in music, art, dance and theater.

The Foundation’s support for health services reflects a continuing commitment to prevention and access to care. Grants focus on community-based services and the delivery of services in schools.

Finally, awards are made for training and technical assistance that builds the capacity of local nonprofit organizations and for capital campaigns.

Click here for an overview of the Foundation’s grantmaking taxonomy.