Our Grantmaking
Let’s Create a More Equitable Chicago Together
We want to help create a Chicago where all people have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
We support nonprofit organizations working toward this shared vision. Our grantmaking is grounded in our guiding principles including respect, trust and accessibility. We know it takes real time and effort to apply for funding, so we try to keep early steps as simple as possible and only ask for a full proposal when there’s a strong likelihood of alignment.
Ways We Fund Work
There are a few ways to access funding from Polk Bros. Foundation. Most funding is available through an application process, and some is initiated by Foundation staff based on what we are learning from partners, communities and the field.
Through Application
Most funding is available through open or targeted application processes, reviewed on a quarterly cycle.
Open Application
Introduce your work at any time to be considered for funding aligned with Polk Bros. Foundation’s goals.
Requests for Proposals (RFPS)
Apply for funding through time-limited opportunities focused on specific targeted strategies within our goal areas. These opportunities are offered occasionally, and have more defined priorities and timelines.
Through Invitation
Sometimes, what we are learning from grantee partners, community leaders, research and the broader field points to a specific opportunity or need. In these less common cases, Foundation staff invite organizations to be considered for funding.
ELIGIBILITY
To be considered for funding through any pathway, organizations must meet the following baseline criteria:
Organizations must wait at least 12 months from the date of their most recent Polk Bros. Foundation grant before receiving another grant. Because our application and review process can take up to four months, organizations may begin a new application process as early as eight months after their most recent grant was issued.
Meeting these criteria does not guarantee funding. All grants must align with our grantmaking guidelines
