How This Accessible Chicago-Based Funder Targets Entrepreneurship, Health and Disabilities

How This Accessible Chicago-Based Funder Targets Entrepreneurship, Health and Disabilities

Established in 1951, the Coleman Foundation focuses on entrepreneurship, health and rehabilitation, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. We take a closer look at this accessible place-based funder.

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A Family Foundation’s Refreshingly Accessible Approach to Funding Research and Education

A Family Foundation’s Refreshingly Accessible Approach to Funding Research and Education

Established in 2001 by investing legend Gary Brinson, the Chicago-based Brinson Foundation focuses on education and scientific research. We take a closer look at this uniquely transparent and accessible family foundation. 

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What Does the Skender Foundation Support in Chicago?

What Does the Skender Foundation Support in Chicago?

The Chicago-based Skender engages in philanthropy to support the communities where it operates. Here are some insights into the Skender Foundation’s grantmaking and what it supports in the Chicago area.

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A Glimpse Inside Brian and Julie Simmons’ Chicago Grantmaking

A Glimpse Inside Brian and Julie Simmons’ Chicago Grantmaking

The Brian and Julie Simmons Foundation has no website but may be open to receiving unsolicited funding requests from local nonprofits in Chicago.

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Big Change Requires Bold Funding: Why We're Upping Our Annual Grantee Payout to 11%

Big Change Requires Bold Funding: Why We're Upping Our Annual Grantee Payout to 11%

Amid ongoing backlash against equity and social justice efforts, guest author and Woods Fund Chicago Board Chair L. Anton Seals lays out why progressive funders have a responsibility to open up their pocketbooks.

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Six Questions for Michelle Morales, President of Woods Fund Chicago

Six Questions for Michelle Morales, President of Woods Fund Chicago

Woods Fund Chicago was one of the first foundations in the city to center racial equity. We chat with its president about the importance of giving young people a voice, a new fund supporting the migrant community, and more.

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A Look at the Sacks Family Foundation’s Chicago-Area Giving

A Look at the Sacks Family Foundation’s Chicago-Area Giving

Michael and Cari Sacks are philanthropists based in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park. Here’s what we know so far about the Sacks Family Foundation and its local commitments.

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This Illinois-Based Tech Billionaire Is Moving Big Sums With a Unique Faith-Based Approach

This Illinois-Based Tech Billionaire Is Moving Big Sums With a Unique Faith-Based Approach

Steven Sarowitz started the Wayfarer Foundation to support spiritually rooted and justice-oriented nonprofits. We take a closer look at the grantmaker, part of Steven and Jessica Sarowitz’s plan to donate $1 billion in their lifetimes.

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Getting to Know Chicago Philanthropists Patrick and Shirley Ryan

Getting to Know Chicago Philanthropists Patrick and Shirley Ryan

Among Chicago’s prominent philanthropic power couples are Patrick and Shirley Ryan, who gained substantial wealth through the insurance industry and made the single-largest gift in Northwestern University’s history.

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Funding for Fathers: A Chicago-based Family Foundation Shines a Light on Fatherhood

Funding for Fathers: A Chicago-based Family Foundation Shines a Light on Fatherhood

Despite a growing body of evidence that men and boys are struggling, particularly in communities of color, there’s not much funding out there in support of fathers. Here’s a rare example of a big, multi-year donation.

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Getting to Know the J. Christopher and Anne N. Reyes Foundation’s Philanthropy in Chicago

Getting to Know the J. Christopher and Anne N. Reyes Foundation’s Philanthropy in Chicago

Although the J. Christopher and Anne N. Reyes Foundation is headquartered in Florida, this funder focuses much of its grantmaking on the city of Chicago. Here are the top things to know about its Chicago-area giving.

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Is Tutoring the Answer to COVID Learning Loss? These Funders Want to Find Out

Is Tutoring the Answer to COVID Learning Loss? These Funders Want to Find Out

Pandemic-related learning loss threatens to widen the achievement gap. Arnold Ventures and other funders are backing an ambitious research project to determine if and how high-intensity tutoring can help.

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Backed by a Billionaire Couple, a Chicago Nonprofit Takes a Community-Led Approach to Youth Equity

Backed by a Billionaire Couple, a Chicago Nonprofit Takes a Community-Led Approach to Youth Equity

Funded by Mark and Kimbra Walter, Chicago Beyond draws upon the work of veteran principal Liz Dozier. The group is investing millions in community-led initiatives, while challenging top-down dynamics in K-12 philanthropy.

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To Advance Health Equity, a Big Hospital Gift Targets the Earliest Childhood Experiences

To Advance Health Equity, a Big Hospital Gift Targets the Earliest Childhood Experiences

Real estate investor John Schreiber and his wife Kathleen are long-time Chicago philanthropists. A recent $25 million gift underscores a more recent priority for the couple: early childhood, including conditions before birth.

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A Conversation with Jeffreen Hayes, Executive Director of Chicago-Based Arts Funder Threewalls

A Conversation with Jeffreen Hayes, Executive Director of Chicago-Based Arts Funder Threewalls

Dr. Jeffreen Hayes heads the Chicago-based arts organization and grantmaker Threewalls. We chatted with her to discuss her career trajectory, why she’s optimistic about the state of philanthropy, and more.

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The Obama Foundation Is Picking up Steam. Who’s on Board and Where Is Funding Headed So Far?

The Obama Foundation Is Picking up Steam. Who’s on Board and Where Is Funding Headed So Far?

The Obama Foundation is in the process of raising $1.6 billion — and starting to roll out some big programs. Here, we outline who’s backing the foundation, who’s running the show, and what it’s funding so far.

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"Downright Dangerous." How a Donor Couple is Tackling the Thorny Issue of Wealth Inequality

"Downright Dangerous." How a Donor Couple is Tackling the Thorny Issue of Wealth Inequality

James Stone is one of a growing number of wealthy donors highly concerned about inequality. The James M. and Cathleen D. Stone Foundation is supporting research examining the forces that create and perpetuate it.

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How the Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation Gives in the Chicago Area

How the Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation Gives in the Chicago Area

The Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation is a Chicago-based funder interested in community safety, the arts and education. Here’s how it gives and what sets it apart from other Pritzker philanthropies.

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The Logan Legacy: Three Brothers Carry on the Philanthropic Work Their Parents Started

The Logan Legacy: Three Brothers Carry on the Philanthropic Work Their Parents Started

With roots in Chicago, the Logan brothers — Richard, Jonathan and Daniel — all have their own foundations. They’re each carrying on and evolving a long legacy of giving that began with their late parents, David and Reva Logan.

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A Major Funder Is Overhauling How it Backs Local Arts Groups. What Will That Mean for Grantees?

A Major Funder Is Overhauling How it Backs Local Arts Groups. What Will That Mean for Grantees?

Part of an ongoing effort to be more equitable, MacArthur is transitioning to a participatory regranting partnership to support Chicago’s small to midsized arts organizations. How will grantees be impacted?

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