What happens if the Grantee fails to submit the required narrative and financial reports?
The Foundation will send delinquency/overdue notices to the grantee. If continued attempts by the Foundation to receive the required reports fail, the Foundation will close the grant for non compliance. All payments will be suspended and the organization will no longer be eligible to receive grants from the Foundation.
May I obtain a copy of your an annual report?
The Foundation has not published an annual report prior to 2021. Yearly financial statements are available here
What is the average size and duration of your grants?
The average size and duration of grants varies by project and program area. Please view the grants listing pages for examples of grants awarded.
May I send a request by email?
No. The Foundation accepts requests via the Fluxx Online Portal.
What are the Foundation's funding priorities?
Entrepreneurship, Cancer Care and Health Rehabilitation Services, and Developmental Disability Service Organizations.
Do you give grants to organizations outside Chicago?
The Foundation’s primary geographic focus is the Chicago metro area. Only programs within the United States will be considered, which excludes all international programs.
Do you sponsor events or dinners?
The Foundation’s guidelines do not allow funding for advertising books and tickets. General solicitations and annual appeals will not be considered.
Do you make grants to individuals?
The Foundation cannot make grants directly to individuals for any purpose (e.g. to start a small business, pay school or college tuition, cover medical bills, pay off debts, buy or build a home). Applicants must be registered not-for-profit organizations.
Do you provide general operating support, or must we apply for specific project funds?
We typically fund programs; in special cases general operating support is provided.
What happens after I complete a request?
You will receive an email acknowledging your request. A program officer will contact you with additional questions or comments.
What is the deadline for submitting a request?
There are no deadlines for the submission of LOIs or proposals. Requests are accepted year-round and considered at quarterly board meetings. We generally recommend initiating your request three to four months prior to the date of the board meeting.
When are grants approved?
The Foundation Board meets four times a year, usually in March, June, August and November.
Does your staff conduct site visits so we can present our project?
If an applicant is invited to submit a proposal, staff will likely conduct a site visit to learn more about the program or project.
Does the Foundation prefer a specific budget format?
Yes, the budget format is explained in the Fluxx online portal.
Does the Foundation accept budget modifications after the start of a project?
Budgets can be amended with prior written approval from the Foundation.
Does the Foundation require specific reports?
Reporting assists both the grantee and the Foundation evaluate program effectiveness. The Foundation requires periodic narrative and financial reports as described in grant agreements. The narrative reports should concisely review programs, identifying both strengths and areas for improvement, with particular focus on deliverables identified in the proposal. Budget reports must reveal sources of income and expense related to the project. Any significant variances in budgeted to actual expenses must be explained in the budget recap of the grantee report or in a budget narrative.
What happens if a progress report from the Grantee is late?
If a progress report is late, the grantee should contact the Foundation and request an extension. The next scheduled payment on the grant, dependent on the report, will be delayed until the report has been received and approved.