Sponsorships

Application Opens: February 19, 2026
Application Deadline: March 12, 2026
Disbursements: May 2026

Background

For many organizations, public events are essential to raising funds, implementing programs, and building communities. The Chicago Community Trust dedicates a portion of its discretionary grantmaking budget to sponsor programming events that strengthen economic mobility, increase opportunity and well-being, and address critical needs in Chicago. Sponsorship applications are reviewed twice a year, in alignment with summer and fall event seasons. To be considered for funding, an event must be produced by an eligible organization that is located in or primarily serving Cook County. Organizations are eligible if they are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or have a nonprofit fiscal sponsor. 

Need/Opportunity Statement 

Sponsorships are available for programming events such as meetings, forums, conferences, community and cultural events, and other gatherings. We will also consider sponsorship requests for fundraising events such as galas, luncheons, and walk-a-thons. Event objectives should align with the Trust’s priorities to strengthen economic mobility, increase opportunity and well-being, and address critical needs in Chicago communities.

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their event aligns with the Trust commitment to convene people, partners and organizations, address the needs of our community, and support initiatives for long-term change. Organizations should showcase how the event uplifts community-driven solutions, amplifies resident voices, supports inclusive development, or promotes innovative approaches to homeownership or income growth.

Grantmaking Criteria 

To be considered for funding, the applicant must be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization or an organization that has a nonprofit fiscal sponsor. The applying organization must be located in or primarily serving Cook County.

Sponsorships are limited to one award per organization in any 12-month period. This funding opportunity is highly competitive, with a consistently high volume of applications each cycle. Therefore, all requests are subject to the availability of resources. We will consider requests for up to $10,000, but the average sponsorship award is $5,000 or less.

Eligible Applicants 

Preference for sponsorships will be given, but not limited, to:  

• Organizations that achieve some alignment with the Trust’s mission or work. To view our new strategic direction, please visit: https://www.cct.org/about/strategic-plan/. 
• We will prioritize applications from organizations we are not currently funding.  

Ineligible Uses 

Sponsorships are not available for:  

• Sports teams  
• Political campaigns  
• Religious activities  
• Events already sponsored with an existing Trust grant. This includes multi-year grant agreements that are still currently active. 

Submission Deadlines & Key Dates

The next application window will open on February 19, 2026 with a deadline of March 12, 2026.

You may submit a request at any time in this application window. Please submit your request 2-3 months before your event, to be sure that it can realistically be funded if selected. Do not submit your request earlier than 4 months before your event is scheduled to take place.

How to Apply

The Trust awards grants to organizations whose work is consistent with our mission and our current priorities. Learn about the application process and eligibility.

How to Apply

What We Fund

Our grants are not just checks, not just points on a map. Our grants are lifelines, connecting individual donors with people and families striving for a better life.

What We Fund