Our Process
1Step One: Determine if your work aligns with our funding priorities
2Step Two: Complete an eligibility checklist
3Step Three: Apply
Step One: Determine if your work aligns with our funding priorities
We want to help create a Chicago where all people can reach their full potential. This work is only possible with the dedicated nonprofit organizations, public sector leaders and other partners who design and implement the efforts our grantmaking supports. If you’re interested in applying for funding from Polk Bros. Foundation, first explore our website and the resources listed here to learn more about our focus and the types of efforts we seek to fund. If your work aligns, please move on to step two.
Additional Resources
Step Two: Complete an eligibility checklist
If your organization is new to Polk Bros. Foundation or has not received a grant from the Foundation in the last five years, the next step is to complete our eligibility checklist and, if eligible, register for access to our online Grants Portal. If your organization has been funded by the Foundation within the past five years, please skip this step.
Step Three: Apply
If you believe your work aligns with our funding priorities and you’ve completed the checklist above and have received login credentials for Polk Bros. Foundation’s online Grants Portal as a result, you may log in and begin your application. During phase one of your application, you’ll be asked to provide high-level information about your organization and the program for which you’re seeking funding. If the Foundation determines your request is aligned with our strategies, you will be asked to proceed to phase two to provide further details that will help us evaluate your application.
Polk Bros. Foundation has no application deadlines. We accept applications year-round, scheduled in the order in which they are received, and considered at quarterly board meetings.
Polk Bros. Foundation has no application deadlines. We accept applications year-round, scheduled in the order in which they are received, and considered at quarterly board meetings.