Application Procedures

We do not use a grant application form; we accept proposals of varying length that adhere to the procedures described below.

Although we accept the Chicago Area Common Grant Application form distributed by the Donors Forum of Chicago, we consider this application a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, a full proposal.

For new and renewal requests, full proposals should contain the following elements:

1. Brief history of the organization

   Narrative should include a general statement of the organization’s primary functions and goals.

2. Description of the project to be funded
   Please include the following:

   • A statement of the need to be addressed and the population to be served

   • A description of how the planned project will address the identified need

   • Clearly stated goals and objectives

   • Plans for assessing performance and monitoring progress toward program goals. Please identify at least three indicators or measures that you will track and analyze in order to: understand the effectiveness of services provided; identify program strengths or challenges; or document potential long-term impact. A discussion of progress on these indicators during the grant period (and over time, if receiving more than one grant from the Foundation) should be included in grant reports. (for further information, see Outcomes and Assessments)

   • A timeline for project activities

3. Income and expense budget

   For the project during the duration of the grant period. The Foundation covers reasonable and appropriate administrative expenses. These should be explained in an accompanying budget narrative.

4. Operating budget for the organization
   Include income and expense projections that pertain to the fiscal year in which the project will take place. Include the percentage of organization income received through earned income, government sources, individual gifts, corporate and foundation grants, and other sources.

5. Current and projected funding sources
   Include funders and amounts for both the organization and the project for the fiscal year in which the project will take place.

6. Organization's most recent audited financial report

7. List of board members and their affiliations

8. List of organization’s professional staff and résumés of key project personnel
   Proposals for organizational capacity-building activities that involve outside consultants should include a copy of the consultant's resume and a list of clients.

9. Racial and gender demographics of board and senior staff

   Additional demographics, such as sexual orientation or disabilities, also are welcome.

10. Organization's Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
    Please note that the Foundation makes grants only to tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations. The Foundation rarely funds 509(a)(3) supporting organizations; exceptions sometimes are made for publicly supported charities.

11. Organization's employment hiring policy

12. Full narrative and financial report on the previous grant (For returning grantees only)
    Final reports must be approved by the Foundation before a new request is considered. For agencies submitting a proposal to be reviewed one year from their last grant, the final reports will cover a ten-month period rather than a full twelve months in order to meet the materials deadline. We ask that final reports and proposals be submitted under separate cover. For more information on this subject, see our Grant Reporting Requirements.