Nuestro Futuro made grants in the past for organizational development. In 2009, its leaders created the Nuestros Niños project to support educational excellence. For the next three years, grant making will focus on early care and educational programs for Latino children from birth through age five. A lack of culturally competent programming has hindered the effectiveness of early childhood education (ECE) in the Latino community. Nuestros Niños aspires to encourage a stronger ECE environment by investing in best practices, sustaining generations of Latinos.
Eligibility
- Must be a qualified 501(c)(3), as defined by the Internal Revenue Service Code, or a governmental agency that serves the residents of metropolitan Chicago, or
- Must have a minimum of three board members and have a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that will serve as the fiscal agent for the grant
- Must serve residents in the Chicago metropolitan area, including Cook, DuPage, Lake, McHenry and/or Will Counties, Illinois
- Must serve at least 51 percent Latino clientele through its services
- Eligible programs provide early care and education (birth through age five)
- Programs should have clear objectives and a concise plan for evaluation including measurable outcomes
Grant Amounts
- 5,000 to $25,000
- Grants for one year from the time of approval
Grant Cycle and Deadlines
Nuestro Futuro is not currently accepting letters of inquiry for grants.
How to Apply
1. Letter of Inquiry
Applications were accepted in August of 2011 for the 2012 grant cycle. Applicants were notified about the decision on their letter of inquiry approximately one month after submission.
2. Proposal
Organizations invited to submit a proposal received a proposal template and instructions. The proposal was due approximately one month from the invitation.
Note: If the proposal outlines the use of consultants, copies of the bids by consultants being considered, including deliverables and timeline for completion, must be submitted with the proposal. Also, a resume, background summary, or agency brochure of each consultant under consideration, including a list of current or former clients, must be included.
3. Proposal Review
Following submission, proposals will be reviewed as follows:
- The Trust will promptly confirm receipt of your proposal.
- The Trust will assign a program officer to the proposal. The program officer will contact the agency to confirm that the required content has been included, request any additional information, schedule a site visit as appropriate and discuss any special needs or circumstances.
- As part of the review process, staff may contact other agencies, foundations or individuals who have knowledge of the grant seeking agency. Staff may make site visits. Reviews are presented to colleagues for discussion and approval.
- Staff recommendations are reviewed by the NF Board of Advisors.
- Notification will be mailed approximately two weeks after the review meeting.
- During the time that a proposal is under review, an applicant must notify the Trust of any significant changes in leadership (staff or board), financial circumstances or capacity to accomplish the proposed activities.
Contact Us
Email your questions to
