The Foundation concentrates on a core set of primary program areas to target its grantmaking. The three primary funding initiatives are:

• Education - Which includes funding predominantly to unique education institutions. For the most part, a strong emphasis has been on entrepreneurship education and awareness.
• Cancer Care - Which includes support services, treatment and research with an emphasis on translational or applied outcomes.
• Services for the Disabled - With a strong emphasis on programs that encourage independence and self-development for individuals with developmental disabilities, including rehabilitative services and conductive education.

The Foundation also supports secondary initiatives including arts and culture, environment, human services, and public affairs. Through a limited Community Grants Program, the foundation supports projects that may not fall into one of the primary or secondary program areas or may be outside of the foundation's primary Midwest service area.

With the exception of entrepreneurship education programs, which are founded nationally, the Foundation maintains a regional geographic focus, which includes metropolitan Chicago and other select parts of the Midwest.