Education Programs

The Foundation’s education grants are generally made to organizations that serve individuals and communities in the greater Chicago area. We also consider leading U.S.-based programs that reach broader populations across the U.S. and internationally or have the potential to have a meaningful impact on best practices at the national or international level. See, however, Legal Requirements – U.S. and International Grantmaking.

Organizations that do not serve populations in the Chicago area and do not meet the foregoing standards are rarely considered by the Board. As a result, we generally discourage them from submitting inquiries to the Foundation. If you have a question as to whether your organization or program qualifies for consideration, please call our office and speak to a program officer about whether it is appropriate to submit a Letter of Inquiry form.

Scientific Research Programs

The Foundation’s physical science research grants are made to leading organizations across the United States. In this priority area, the location of the program is less critical than the match with the Foundation’s grantmaking priorities.

The Foundation does not accept grantseeker inquiries in medical research.