QUICK LINKS
View All Right Arrow

Information for Grantseekers

Access to grant guidelines and information on what we fund.

Expand your thinking with us. We bet big on the innovative thinking of people who are doing the work, accelerating community-driven change.

What We Fund

We aim to be transparent about how we operate. Therefore, we feel it is important to be clear to grantseekers that most of our grantmaking is dedicated to furthering strategies with specific program goals. We generally do not fund unsolicited proposals.

Although very few are selected for funding, we review unsolicited proposals that meet our guidelines. Before submitting a proposal, we recommend that you carefully read our grant guidelines, which help applicants determine whether their idea for a grant fits a particular grantmaking strategy.

From time to time, we may announce an open call for proposals to advance specific program goals. In such instances, information will be available on our website.

Awards

100&Change, our competition for a single $100 million grant, is open to any proposed solution to any critical problem of our time. Nonprofit and qualifying for-profit organizations may apply. The competition cycle repeats every three years.

Please note that the MacArthur Fellows Program, which awards unrestricted grants to exceptionally creative individuals, does not accept applications or public nominations.

What We Do Not Fund

The Foundation does not provide funding for the following:

  • Scholarships or tuition assistance for undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate studies;
  • Grants to individuals, except for Leaders for a New Chicago, and the MacArthur Fellows Program, which is not open to applications or public nominations;
  • Annual fundraising drives;
  • Paid advertisements; or
  • Political activities or attempts to influence action on specific legislation.
Hexagon collage featuring images of clouds and an image of established tree

2025/2026 Grantmaking

To help reduce burdens on grantees and help meet this extraordinary moment, we will raise our baseline payout to six percent over the next two years.

While we are open to new relationships, we are currently prioritizing longstanding grantee partners.

 

Grant Guidelines

View our grant guidelines and which programs are accepting letters of inquiry.

Funding FAQ

Find answers to our most commonly asked questions about grantmaking.

View FAQs Right Arrow

Submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI)

You may start the LOI process by taking our eligibility quiz.

START AN LOI Right Arrow

Our Grantmaking Process

Build Relationships

  • Expand networks
  • Meet with potential grantees and investees
  • Make initial request for information
  • Discuss promising opportunities internally
      

Invite Proposals

  • Discuss strategy alignment with potential grantees and investees
  • Request additional documentation
  • Solicit applications

Prepare and Review Proposal

  • Conduct programmatic, financial, and organizational reviews
  • Develop internal analyses of proposals
  • Recommend grants

Determination and Agreement

  • Complete final internal reviews
  • Make decisions
  • Structure grants
  • Draft, review, and sign funding agreements

 

Project Support Grant Application Guide

 

Practical guidance for your application as well as insights on questions asked and review processes

View Application Guidelines Right Arrow