Each year, the Trust continues its rich tradition of giving by awarding more than $80 million in grants to not-for-profit organizations serving the residents of metropolitan Chicago. How are grant recipients chosen?

The majority of the Trust's annual support is awarded under our general grant making programs, organized around five key areas:

• Arts and Culture
• Basic Human Needs
• Community Development 
• Education
• Health

The Trust also maintains separate grant guidelines for these special grant programs:

• Management and Organizational Development (MOD) Grant Program
• Fellowship for Community Leaders
• James Brown IV Award of Excellence for Outstanding Community Service

Priorities
Within the general grant making programs, the Trust places a priority on grant proposals that meet the established priorities of the program area(s), address an urgent need or investigate new approaches to communal challenges

Duration
Grants are usually made for one year. Not-for-profits whose grant period is ending may reapply for continued support of the same project.

Geographic Region
In most cases, Trust funds are used to support not-for-profit organizations serving residents in Cook County, Illinois, as well as programs in DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties (if the program also benefits residents of Cook County).

Diversity
The Trust is committed to serving all who live and work in metropolitan Chicago and believes diversity enhances an organization, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or physical, developmental or cognitive ability. This commitment is reflected in how the Trust evaluates grant proposals.