Funding search · EIN 362167000 · Chicago, IL

The Chicago Community Trust

A grantmaking public charity (files IRS Form 990, Schedule I). Charities like this often run real grant programs with application cycles.

14,939
grants reported
$5.82B
total given
2021–2023
filing years
$25,000
median grant

Based on grants this organization reported to the IRS for tax years 20212023. This is what they filed, not a complete record of their giving, and recent years may be incomplete because filings lag.

What they fund

chicagocommunitybenefitsticketsthroughtangiblecommunitiesbuild

Funder website ↗Full IRS filings ↗How this is builtReport an error

Funding pattern

What this funder pays for, at what size, and how to position adjacent work. Read from their filings, with every number checked against the record.

Where the money goes

  • CDFI and community lending capital nationwide
  • Federally qualified community health centers, rural and urban
  • Chicago-area human services, violence reduction, housing stability
  • Affordable housing, homelessness and community action agencies
  • Civil legal aid and democracy/civic participation groups
  • Climate and clean energy intermediaries

Typical grant

The median grant is $25,000 and half of all grants fall between $10,000 and $100,000, which is the donor-advised and discretionary layer of a community foundation. A separate tier of very large checks, $4 million to $50 million, went almost entirely to national intermediaries, CDFIs, and health center networks in 2023, and those are pass-through or partnership deployments rather than responses to unsolicited requests. Chicago nonprofits appear repeatedly across years, so repeat funding at the five- and six-figure level is normal.

Their words

Phrases from their own grant descriptions, worth speaking back to them.

  • General support for programs, operations and other charitable purposes
  • general support
  • operations
  • charitable purposes

Positioning adjacent work

  • Anchor to a named Chicago-area grantee's theme: violence reduction, housing stability, immigrant legal services, family services.
  • Ask in the $25,000 to $100,000 band for a first request; six figures needs an existing relationship.
  • Frame the request as general operating support, not a restricted research project, matching their own wording.
  • If work is national, connect it to CDFI capital access or community health center capacity, their two biggest large-check lanes.

Worth knowing: Illinois recipients outnumber the next state four to one, so a Cook County footprint matters far more than subject fit. The giant 2023 grants to Save the Children, Capital Impact Partners, Breakthrough Energy Catalyst and dozens of health centers reflect large donor-advised or intermediary flows, and treating them as evidence of an open national program would be a mistake.

37 grants matching “marching · $7.0M

  • $10,000

    March On Maryland · Annapolis, MD · 2023

    General support for programs, operations and other charitable purposes

  • $2.0M

    University of Illinois Foundation · Chicago, IL · 2022

    support for Gies Summer Success Program - Gies College of Business, General Operating Support, $500: support for Volunteer Illini Projects; $500: support for Gies Business School, Companion Animal Fund, support for Illi read all
  • $615,449

    Inner-City Muslim Action Network · Chicago, IL · 2022

    support of GAPA activities during the months of April - June 2023, support for Anniversary (no tickets or tangible benefits) and general operating support, General Operating Support, support for filling the position of read all
  • $196,701

    Organizing Neighborhoods for Equality Northside · Chicago, IL · 2022

    support of GAPA activities for time period of July-September 2022, support of GAPA activities during the months of January - March 2023, $13,770: support of GAPA activities for time period of October-December 2022; $37, read all
  • $131,500

    Misericordia Home · Chicago, IL · 2022

    support for the 2023 Artist in All program (no tickets or tangible benefits), General Operating Support, matching the contribution of Ann Browne, PGL employee, General operating fund, support for the Heart of Gold Event read all
  • $123,080

    Southwest Organizing Project · Chicago, IL · 2022

    General Operating Support, support for the PREP Internship Program, support for GAPA activities, support of GAPA activities for time period of July - September 2022, support of GAPA activities during the months of April read all
  • $117,100

    Artis-Naples · Naples, FL · 2022

    fundraising support - Leadership Circle (no tickets or tangible benefits), General Operating Support - per March 2023 Gala Paddle Raise, support for Friends of Artis-Naples - Leadership Circle (no tickets or tangible be read all
  • $96,900

    Business and Professional People for the Public Interest · Chicago, IL · 2022

    General Operating Support, support for GAPA activities, support of GAPA activities during the months of January - March 2023, support of GAPA activities during the months of April - June 2023, support of GAPA activities read all
  • $83,161

    Community Renewal Society · Chicago, IL · 2022

    support for GAPA activities, support of GAPA activities during the months of January - March 2023, salary support associated with the GAPA coordinator, support of GAPA activities during the months of April - June 2023, read all
  • $78,000

    Tony McCreary Evangelisticassociation · Jacksonville, FL · 2022

    support for generator, support for the Home of Champions Orphanage for May, June, and July, support for the Home of Champions Orphanage for August, September, October, 2023, support for providing 2022 Christmas gifts to read all
  • $75,980

    Jewish Council On Urban Affairs · Chicago, IL · 2022

    General Operating Support, support of GAPA activities during the months of January - March 2023, support for GAPA activities, support for Acts of Change 2023 (no tickets or tangible benefits), support of GAPA activities read all
  • $55,080

    Target Area Development Corporation · Chicago, IL · 2022

    support of GAPA activities during the months of April - June 2023, support of GAPA activities for time period of July - September 2022, support of GAPA activities during the months of January - March 2023, support of GA read all
  • $21,000

    Storycatchers Theatre · Chicago, IL · 2022

    General Operating Support, General Operating Support - per March 25th paddle raise

  • $12,750

    Prager University Foundation · Sherman Oaks, CA · 2022

    support for annual fundraising - August, General Operating Support, support for March fundraising efforts, support for PragerU in Schools program

  • $12,000

    Fisher Island Day School · Miami Beach, FL · 2022

    support for School Fundraiser - March 2023 (no tickets or tangible benefits)

  • $11,720

    Moonlight Community Foundation · Big Sky, MT · 2022

    support for golf tournament (no tickets or tangible benefits), support for MCF Golf Tournament (no tickets or tangible benefits), support for summer camp - per March event, support for local community business assistanc read all
  • $10,000

    March To the Top - Africa · Woodland Hills, CA · 2022

    General Operating Support

  • $674,880

    Inner-City Muslim Action Network · Chicago, IL · 2021

    Support of GAPA activities completed during the months of January - March 2022. Support of GAPA activity from September - December 2021. Support of GAPA work for July and August. Support of GAPA activities for time peri read all
  • $674,880

    Inner-City Muslim Action Network · Chicago, IL · 2021

    Support of GAPA activities completed during the months of January - March 2022. Support of GAPA activity from September - December 2021. Support of GAPA work for July and August. Support of GAPA activities for time peri read all
  • $328,213

    Southwest Organizing Project · Chicago, IL · 2021

    Support of GAPA activities for time period of April - June 2022. Support of GAPA activities completed during the months of January - March 2022. Support of GAPA work for July and August. Support of SWOP's capacity to in read all
  • $328,213

    Southwest Organizing Project · Chicago, IL · 2021

    Support of GAPA activities for time period of April - June 2022. Support of GAPA activities completed during the months of January - March 2022. Support of GAPA work for July and August. Support of SWOP's capacity to in read all
  • $151,242

    Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago · Chicago, IL · 2021

    Support of the 72nd Annual Woman's Board Summer Ball (no tickets or benefits). Support for the 2022 Youth of the Year Competition and Dinner on March 3, 2022 (no tickets or benefits), general operating support, matching read all
  • $151,242

    Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago · Chicago, IL · 2021

    Support of the 72nd Annual Woman's Board Summer Ball (no tickets or benefits). Support for the 2022 Youth of the Year Competition and Dinner on March 3, 2022 (no tickets or benefits), general operating support, matching read all
  • $126,290

    Business and Professional People for the Public Interest · Chicago, IL · 2021

    Support for 50th anniversary (no tickets or benefits). Support of GAPA activities completed during the months of January - March 2022. Support of GAPA work for July and August, general operating support. Support of the read all
  • $126,290

    Business and Professional People for the Public Interest · Chicago, IL · 2021

    Support for 50th anniversary (no tickets or benefits). Support of GAPA activities completed during the months of January - March 2022. Support of GAPA work for July and August, general operating support. Support of the read all
  • $105,500

    Peoples Music School · Chicago, IL · 2021

    General operating support. Contribution to Rito Simo Roof Deck, Matching end of year 2021 contribution - Support for operations, programs, and digitalization. Support of March 25, 2022 Big Night Gala (no tickets or bene read all
  • $105,500

    Peoples Music School · Chicago, IL · 2021

    General operating support. Contribution to Rito Simo Roof Deck, Matching end of year 2021 contribution - Support for operations, programs, and digitalization. Support of March 25, 2022 Big Night Gala (no tickets or bene read all
  • $79,380

    Jewish Council On Urban Affairs · Chicago, IL · 2021

    Support for the Community Ventures program. Support of GAPA activity from September - December 2021, general operating support. Support of GAPA work for July and August. Support of GAPA activities completed during the m read all
  • $79,380

    Jewish Council On Urban Affairs · Chicago, IL · 2021

    Support for the Community Ventures program. Support of GAPA activity from September - December 2021, general operating support. Support of GAPA work for July and August. Support of GAPA activities completed during the m read all
  • $74,435

    Organizing Neighborhoods for Equality Northside · Chicago, IL · 2021

    Support of GAPA work for July and August. Support of GAPA activity from September - December 2021, general operating support. Support of GAPA activities for time period of April - June 2022. Support of GAPA activities c read all
  • $74,435

    Organizing Neighborhoods for Equality Northside · Chicago, IL · 2021

    Support of GAPA work for July and August. Support of GAPA activity from September - December 2021, general operating support. Support of GAPA activities for time period of April - June 2022. Support of GAPA activities c read all
  • $67,580

    Community Renewal Society · Chicago, IL · 2021

    Support of GAPA activities for time period of April - June 2022. Support of GAPA activity from September - December 2021, general operating support. Support of GAPA activities completed during the months of January - Ma read all
  • $67,580

    Community Renewal Society · Chicago, IL · 2021

    Support of GAPA activities for time period of April - June 2022. Support of GAPA activity from September - December 2021, general operating support. Support of GAPA activities completed during the months of January - Ma read all
  • $67,080

    Target Area Development Corporation · Chicago, IL · 2021

    Support of GAPA activity from September - December 2021. Support of GAPA work for July and August. Support of GAPA activities for time period of April - June 2022. Support of GAPA activities completed during the months read all
  • $67,080

    Target Area Development Corporation · Chicago, IL · 2021

    Support of GAPA activity from September - December 2021. Support of GAPA work for July and August. Support of GAPA activities for time period of April - June 2022. Support of GAPA activities completed during the months read all
  • $20,000

    Womens Health Center of West Virginia · Charleston, WV · 2021

    Contribution to the two proposals from March 2022 Supporting the potential merger of SOAR and Women's Health Center of WV and the subsequent Harm Reduction marketing campaign.

  • $20,000

    Womens Health Center of West Virginia · Charleston, WV · 2021

    Contribution to the two proposals from March 2022 Supporting the potential merger of SOAR and Women's Health Center of WV and the subsequent Harm Reduction marketing campaign.

Top recipients

Repeat recipients are the strongest signal of whether a funder has an open door or quietly re-funds the same organizations.

  • Breakthrough Energy Catalyst Foundation4 grants · $120.0M
  • Climate Imperative Foundation4 grants · $80.0M
  • Save the Children Federation4 grants · $53.5M
  • Habitat for Humanity International4 grants · $50.0M
  • National Council of Ymcas of the USA3 grants · $50.0M
  • Youth Guidance4 grants · $45.6M
  • Capital Impact Partners1 grant · $45.0M
  • National Philanthropic Trust2 grants · $42.0M
  • Arab Community Center for Economic & Social Services Access3 grants · $40.0M
  • Communities in Schools2 grants · $40.0M

Giving over time

$2.84B
2021
$1.56B
2022
$1.42B
2023

Grant history

The 100 largest of 14,939 grants.

  • $50.8M

    Save the Children Federation · Fairfield, CT · 2023

    General support for programs, operations and other charitable purposes

  • $45.0M

    Capital Impact Partners · Arlington, VA · 2023

    General support for programs, operations and other charitable purposes

  • $30.8M

    National Philanthropic Trust · Jenkintown, PA · 2022

    Goldstein Family Fund, support for Charles A Micale Foundation, "Our Own Thing" Fund, illiquid shares to be transferred to FP: Goldstein Family Fund, Ruhl Donor Advised Fund

  • $30.0M

    Breakthrough Energy Catalyst Foundation · Seattle, WA · 2023

    General support for programs, operations and other charitable purposes

  • $30.0M

    Breakthrough Energy Catalyst Foundation · Seattle, WA · 2022

    support to accelerate the deployment of clean technologies

  • $30.0M

    Breakthrough Energy Catalyst Foundation · Seattle, WA · 2021

    To support Breakthrough Energy Catalyst's effort to accelerate deployment of clean technologies in order to achieve net zero by 2050

  • $30.0M

    Breakthrough Energy Catalyst Foundation · Seattle, WA · 2021

    To support Breakthrough Energy Catalyst's effort to accelerate deployment of clean technologies in order to achieve net zero by 2050

  • $28.0M

    Hope Enterprise Corporation · Jackson, MS · 2023

    General support for programs, operations and other charitable purposes

  • $26.1M

    Tides Foundation · San Francisco, CA · 2023

    General support for programs, operations and other charitable purposes

  • $25.0M

    Habitat for Humanity International · Americus, GA · 2021

    General operating support, 2022 contribution, 2021 contribution, general operating support - for use in the State of New Mexico

  • $25.0M

    Habitat for Humanity International · Americus, GA · 2021

    General operating support, 2022 contribution, 2021 contribution, general operating support - for use in the State of New Mexico

  • $25.0M

    Chicago Public Schools · Chicago, IL · 2022

    General operating support

  • $23.0M

    Accion Opportunity Fund Community Development · San Jose, CA · 2023

    General support for programs, operations and other charitable purposes

  • $22.6M

    Youth Guidance · Chicago, IL · 2021

    General operating support, contribution to the JPMC The Fellowship Initiative, matching contribution made by Polly Eldringhoff, PGL employee. General operating support, matching the contribution of torrence Hinton, PGL read all
  • $22.6M

    Youth Guidance · Chicago, IL · 2021

    General operating support, contribution to the JPMC The Fellowship Initiative, matching contribution made by Polly Eldringhoff, PGL employee. General operating support, matching the contribution of torrence Hinton, PGL read all
  • $20.1M

    The Center for Popular Democracy · Brooklyn, NY · 2023

    General support for programs, operations and other charitable purposes

  • $20.1M

    Eisenhower Medical Center · Rancho Mirage, CA · 2023

    General support for programs, operations and other charitable purposes

  • $20.0M

    Communities in Schools · Arlington, VA · 2021

    General operating support

  • $20.0M

    Communities in Schools · Arlington, VA · 2021

    General operating support

  • $20.0M

    Boys & Girls Clubs of America · Atlanta, GA · 2023

    General support for programs, operations and other charitable purposes

  • $20.0M

    Climate Imperative Foundation · San Francisco, CA · 2023

    General support for programs, operations and other charitable purposes

  • $20.0M

    National Council of Ymcas of the USA · Chicago, IL · 2023

    General support for programs, operations and other charitable purposes

  • $20.0M

    Champlain Housing Trust · Burlington, VT · 2022

    General operating support

  • $20.0M

    Climate Imperative Foundation · San Francisco, CA · 2022

    to support Climate Imperative's work to cut emissions at speed and scale

  • $20.0M

    Jobs for the Future · Boston, MA · 2022

    General operating support

  • $20.0M

    Per Scholas · Bronx, NY · 2022

    General operating support

  • $20.0M

    San Francisco Community Land Trust · San Francisco, CA · 2022

    General operating support

  • $20.0M

    Arab Community Center for Economic & Social Services Access · Dearborn, MI · 2021

    General operating support

  • $20.0M

    Arab Community Center for Economic & Social Services Access · Dearborn, MI · 2021

    General operating support

  • $20.0M

    Climate Imperative Foundation · San Francisco, CA · 2021

    To support Climate Imperative's work to cut emissions at speed and scale

  • $20.0M

    Climate Imperative Foundation · San Francisco, CA · 2021

    To support Climate Imperative's work to cut emissions at speed and scale

  • $20.0M

    Foundation for Fresno Unified Schools · Fresno, CA · 2021

    General operating support

  • $20.0M

    Foundation for Fresno Unified Schools · Fresno, CA · 2021

    General operating support

  • $20.0M

    Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles · Bellflower, CA · 2021

    General operating support

  • $20.0M

    Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles · Bellflower, CA · 2021

    General operating support

  • $16.0M

    Escondido Union School District · Escondido, CA · 2022

    support for public purposes

  • $16.0M

    Learning Policy Institute · Palo Alto, CA · 2021

    General operating support

  • $16.0M

    Learning Policy Institute · Palo Alto, CA · 2021

    General operating support

  • $15.3M

    Guttmacher Institute · New York, NY · 2021

    General operating support

  • $15.3M

    Guttmacher Institute · New York, NY · 2021

    General operating support

  • $15.1M

    Community Investment Corporation · Chicago, IL · 2023

    General support for programs, operations and other charitable purposes

  • $15.1M

    National Low Income Housing Coalition · Washington, DC · 2022

    Unrestricted, General Operating Support

  • $15.0M

    Boys and Girls Clubs of America · Atlanta, GA · 2021

    General operating support, $10,000,000 support of child care; $5,000,000 support of food insecurity

  • $15.0M

    Boys and Girls Clubs of America · Atlanta, GA · 2021

    General operating support, $10,000,000 support of child care; $5,000,000 support of food insecurity

  • $15.0M

    Community First Fund · Lancaster, PA · 2023

    General support for programs, operations and other charitable purposes

  • $15.0M

    Grid Alternatives · Oakland, CA · 2023

    General support for programs, operations and other charitable purposes

  • $15.0M

    The Miami Foundation · Miami, FL · 2023

    General support for programs, operations and other charitable purposes

  • $15.0M

    Codepathorg · San Francisco, CA · 2022

    General operating support

  • $15.0M

    Merit America · Washington, DC · 2022

    General operating support

  • $15.0M

    Achievement Network · Boston, MA · 2021

    General operating support

  • $15.0M

    Achievement Network · Boston, MA · 2021

    General operating support

  • $15.0M

    Instruction Partners · Nashville, TN · 2021

    General operating support

  • $15.0M

    Instruction Partners · Nashville, TN · 2021

    General operating support

  • $15.0M

    National Council of Ymcas of the USA · Chicago, IL · 2021

    $10,000,000 support of child care; $5,000,000 support of food insecurity

  • $15.0M

    National Council of Ymcas of the USA · Chicago, IL · 2021

    $10,000,000 support of child care; $5,000,000 support of food insecurity

  • $15.0M

    Recovery Innovations · Phoenix, AZ · 2021

    General operating support

  • $15.0M

    Recovery Innovations · Phoenix, AZ · 2021

    General operating support

  • $15.0M

    Rights and Resources Institute · Washington, DC · 2021

    General operating support

  • $15.0M

    Rights and Resources Institute · Washington, DC · 2021

    General operating support

  • $15.0M

    Unbounded Learning · New York, NY · 2021

    General operating support

  • $15.0M

    Unbounded Learning · New York, NY · 2021

    General operating support

  • $15.0M

    Vose River Charitable Fund · Bethesda, MD · 2021

    General operating support

  • $15.0M

    Vose River Charitable Fund · Bethesda, MD · 2021

    General operating support

  • $13.5M

    Atlanta Habitat for Humanity · Atlanta, GA · 2021

    General operating support

  • $13.5M

    Atlanta Habitat for Humanity · Atlanta, GA · 2021

    General operating support

  • $13.5M

    Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity · St Paul, MN · 2021

    General operating support

  • $13.5M

    Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity · St Paul, MN · 2021

    General operating support

  • $13.5M

    Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region · Charlotte, NC · 2021

    General operating support

  • $13.5M

    Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region · Charlotte, NC · 2021

    General operating support

  • $13.5M

    Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver · Denver, CO · 2021

    General operating support

  • $13.5M

    Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver · Denver, CO · 2021

    General operating support

  • $13.1M

    Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund · Cincinnati, OH · 2022

    John M Scott Giving Account, Charles N. Mills Giving Fund, Andy and Nancy Mills Charitable Fund, Ellert Donation Fund, Levine Family Fund, Evolve Charitable Fund - support for Salon Ohm, transfer of funds - Charles N. M read all
  • $13.0M

    Communities in Schools Houston · Houston, TX · 2021

    General operating support

  • $13.0M

    Communities in Schools Houston · Houston, TX · 2021

    General operating support

  • $12.0M

    Impactassets · Bethesda, MD · 2021

    Support for David Samuel or Fund for the Earth (DSOFFTE), The Builders Initiative Fund

  • $12.0M

    Impactassets · Bethesda, MD · 2021

    Support for David Samuel or Fund for the Earth (DSOFFTE), The Builders Initiative Fund

  • $12.0M

    Grounded Solutions Network · Oakland, CA · 2022

    General operating support

  • $12.0M

    The Morehouse School of Medicine · Atlanta, GA · 2022

    General operating support

  • $11.2M

    National Philanthropic Trust · Jenkintown, PA · 2023

    General support for programs, operations and other charitable purposes

  • $11.0M

    Ascend Learning · Brooklyn, NY · 2022

    General operating support

  • $11.0M

    Braven · Chicago, IL · 2021

    General operating support

  • $11.0M

    Braven · Chicago, IL · 2021

    General operating support

  • $11.0M

    Habitat for Humanity of Omaha · Omaha, NE · 2021

    General operating support

  • $11.0M

    Habitat for Humanity of Omaha · Omaha, NE · 2021

    General operating support

  • $11.0M

    Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County · Clearwater, FL · 2021

    General operating support

  • $11.0M

    Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County · Clearwater, FL · 2021

    General operating support

  • $11.0M

    Houston Habitat for Humanity · Houston, TX · 2021

    General operating support

  • $11.0M

    Houston Habitat for Humanity · Houston, TX · 2021

    General operating support

  • $11.0M

    Trinity Habitat for Humanity · Fort Worth, TX · 2021

    General operating support

  • $11.0M

    Trinity Habitat for Humanity · Fort Worth, TX · 2021

    General operating support

  • $10.3M

    Start Early · Chicago, IL · 2022

    support for programming, support for Educare, General Operating Support, matching the contribution of Charles Matthews, PGL retiree, continued support for the roll-out of the NEAR Program in the Chicago area, especially read all
  • $10.1M

    Chinese American Service League · Chicago, IL · 2022

    To support building and leading a coalition of partner organizations focused on assisting hate crime survivors and educating and empowering Chicagoland AANHPI community on how to report hate crimes and hate incidents., read all
  • $10.1M

    American Jewish Committee · New York, NY · 2022

    support for Project Interchange: bringing Arabs to Israel for immersive initiative, General Operating Support, support for the Dallas office, to advance human rights and democratic values in the Dallas area, General Ope read all
  • $10.0M

    Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples · Arcata, CA · 2022

    General Operating Support, Unrestricted

  • $10.0M

    Glaad · Los Angeles, CA · 2022

    General Operating Support, Unrestricted

  • $10.0M

    Access To Capital for Entrepreneurs · Cleveland, GA · 2023

    General support for programs, operations and other charitable purposes

  • $10.0M

    Genesis La Economic Growth Corporation · Los Angeles, CA · 2023

    General support for programs, operations and other charitable purposes

  • $10.0M

    Ochin · Portland, OR · 2023

    General support for programs, operations and other charitable purposes

  • $10.0M

    Alliance for Early Success · Washington, DC · 2022

    General operating support

  • $10.0M

    City of Lakes Community Land Trust · Minneapolis, MN · 2022

    General operating support

View all 14,939 grants →

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Source: IRS Form 990, Schedule I, as filed by this organization. These are grants already paid. Grants paid directly to individuals are reported to the IRS only as totals, so they do not appear as named lines here.