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Our Grantmaking

Requests for Proposals

At Polk Bros. Foundation, we work toward a Chicago where everyone can reach their full potential.

Requests for Proposals (RFPs) focus on specific opportunities, aligned with our goals, where targeted investment can help move this work forward.

Our Application Process

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.

Before applying, please review the RFP in detail to determine if your work aligns. You may also review our website and related resources to understand our goals, priorities and the types of work we support.

Our Goals Grantmaking Guidelines FAQs

If you believe your organization’s work aligns well, please move on to Step Two: Complete an Eligibility Checklist.

Next, visit our Grants Portal and complete a brief eligibility checklist to confirm your organization meets baseline requirements for funding and to request login credentials to our Grants Portal. Once you complete the eligibility checklist, you can expect an emailed response regarding login credentials within five business days.

If you have already received login credentials for our Grants Portal because you have received previous funding from the Foundation, you may skip this step and proceed to Step Three: Apply.

Complete Eligibility Checklist Grantmaking Guidelines FAQs

If you have completed the steps above, you may log in and begin your two-part application. Each RFP will include a preview of application questions.

Letter of Inquiry

First, complete and submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) for the relevant RFP with high-level details about your organization and work. We will notify you by the date listed in the relevant RFP about whether your organization is invited to submit a full proposal.

Full Proposal

If invited, you will be asked to submit a full proposal. Full details about these two application phases are included in each RFP.

Grants Portal Grantmaking Guidelines FAQs

Questions?

We host an information session and publish a set of FAQs for every RFP. You can find these resources, as well as other timeline information, on the individual RFP detail pages.

For questions about our grantmaking process, contact [email protected]. For technical support with the Grants Portal, contact [email protected].

Our Goals Grantmaking Guidelines FAQs

Current RFPs

Below, you’ll find all RFPs currently planned, including those that are currently open and those coming soon, along with information on how and when to apply.

RFPs will be posted here as they become available.