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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Lloyd A. Fry Foundation joins Chicago leaders in denouncing harmful ICE and Border Patrol tactics
November 11, 2025
The Lloyd A. Fry Foundation is proud to be a signatory to the United for Chicago letter denouncing the dangerous and harmful tactics being deployed by ICE and Border Patrol Agents across Chicago. These tactics disregard the core principles we as Chicagoans hold dear. We must stand united to oppose extreme enforcement methods that cause long term harm to the city we love so much. Click here to read the letter.
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Lloyd A. Fry Foundation names new President, Dr. Sherly Chavarria
October 31, 2025
The Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, a private foundation dedicated to improving the lives of the people of Chicago faced with challenges rooted in inequity, 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.
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Interview with new Board Chair Graham Grady
August 27, 2025
Graham Grady has stepped into the role of Board Chair. He was first elected to the board in 2008, served as Treasurer since 2016, and has been a leader of the Foundation’s work in establishing the annual Diverse Trustee program and grantmaking in Community Violence Intervention. We sat down with Graham to get his thoughts on this new role.