Funding Eligibility

The Lloyd A. Fry Foundation makes grants in the following program areas: Education, Arts Education, Employment, and Health.

We make grants only to tax-exempt organizations and rarely fund organizations outside Chicago. We give priority to proposals for specific projects rather than for general operating support. In our review of proposals, we look for strong program design, clear expected outcomes, and procedures for assessing and evaluating programs. 

What the Foundation Does Not Fund

In general, the Foundation does not make grants to individuals, governmental entities, or 509(a)(3) supporting organizations, although exceptions sometimes are made for publicly supported charities. We also do not provide funding for: general operating expenses for new grantees, capital projects, endowments, fundraising events, political activities, medical research, or religious purposes.

We rarely fund unsolicited proposals from organizations based outside Chicago. When exceptions are made, we look for organizations with strong local board leaders who are responsible for establishing program priorities and policies in Chicago. In addition, organizations must agree that funds awarded for Chicago-based programs remain in Chicago and are not included in calculations of funds exchanged between local and national offices.