Education, opportunity, health, and hope for all.
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About the foundation
The Lloyd A. Fry Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of the people of Chicago faced with challenges rooted in the systems of inequity.
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Funding priorities
We offer grants in three program areas—Arts Learning, Education, and Employment—to organizations with the strength and commitment to address persistent problems of urban Chicago.
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Our program focus
The Foundation focuses on programs with a demonstrated record of high-quality, effective services that improve conditions for low-income, underserved communities in Chicago areas.
How to apply
If you’re eligible, submit a letter of inquiry, then allow our program officers 30 days to respond. Once you’re invited to apply, submit your application with the required documents.
Our year in review
In this year’s annual report, we spotlight the women, men, and children served by our grantees.
While the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation provides grants to a wide range of organizations, we recognize that the true beneficiaries are the individuals whom those organizations support.
Our history
Learn how Lloyd A. Fry, the founder of the nation’s largest roofing materials company, created a foundation that has grown and evolved to help address the critical needs of Chicago communities during these quickly changing times.
Recent News
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Interview with Outgoing President Unmi Song
November 19, 2025
Twenty-two years of visionary leadership, thoughtful investments, and lasting impact — that’s the legacy Unmi Song leaves as she steps down from her role as President of the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation. To mark this milestone, we invited Unmi to share insights from her 22 years of leadership and her reflections on the future of philanthropy. Click here to read the full interview.
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Spotlight: Education Program
November 19, 2025
The Lloyd A. Fry Foundation’s Education Program has a long history of supporting efforts to improve academic achievement for Chicago students. Through strategic investments and partnerships, the Foundation has helped transform Chicago’s educational landscape. As the city and nation face new challenges, the Foundation’s commitment to its Education priorities remains steadfast, even as it adapts to a rapidly changing environment. Click here to read more.
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Lloyd A. Fry Foundation names new President, Dr. Sherly Chavarria
October 31, 2025
The Lloyd A. Fry Foundation announced today the appointment of Dr. Sherly Chavarria as its new President effective January 1, 2026. The appointment marks a significant milestone in the Foundation’s work to partner with effective organizations that share a commitment to building a community in which all individuals and families have the opportunity to thrive. Click here to read the full press release.