Lloyd A. Fry Foundation

Eligible organizations for the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation grants must be tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily based in Chicago. The foundation rarely funds organizations outside the Chicago area and does not make grants to individuals, governmental entities, or 509(a)(3) supporting organizations. Priority is given to proposals for specific projects rather than general operating support. Organizations must demonstrate a strong program design with clear goals and outcomes.

Location: The Lloyd A. Fry Foundation primarily funds organizations based in Chicago. It rarely funds organizations outside of the Chicago area, with exceptions made for organizations that have strong local leadership and are focused on Chicago-based programs. Funds awarded for Chicago-based programs must remain in Chicago and cannot be included in national exchanges or funding calculations.

Project Scope: 

The project scope for the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation grant focuses on specific initiatives within three program areas: Arts Learning, Education, and Employment. The foundation prioritizes projects that:

• Address the needs of low-income, underserved communities in Chicago.
• Demonstrate high-quality services and innovative approaches.
• Have clear goals, measurable outcomes, and plans for assessing progress.
• Contribute new knowledge or innovations that benefit the field.

The foundation is especially interested in projects that foster learning, innovation, and capacity-building in these areas.

The Lloyd A. Fry Foundation does not specify a fixed amount of funding in its general guidelines. Instead, grant sizes vary depending on the project, the organization's needs, and the specific proposal being reviewed. The foundation focuses on supporting programs with a demonstrated record of high-quality services and innovative approaches. They are willing to consider larger or longer-term grants for projects that show exceptional potential to make a significant impact. For detailed funding amounts, organizations must submit proposals or letters of inquiry for review.

Eligible Applicants: Only tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible. The foundation rarely funds organizations outside Chicago.

What is Not Funded:

• General operating expenses for new grantees.
• Capital projects, endowments, fundraising events, political activities, medical research, or religious purposes.

Proposal Types: The foundation prioritizes funding specific projects rather than general operating support.

Outside Chicago: The foundation rarely funds organizations outside Chicago unless they have strong local leadership.

Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) - to confirm tax-exempt status.

Brief History of the Organization - including its primary functions and goals.

Project Description - detailing the need addressed, goals, objectives, and assessment methods.

Demographics of Population Served - describing the group benefiting from the project.

Audited Financial Report - from the organization’s most recent fiscal year.

Operating Budget - detailing income and expenses for the project period.

List of Current and Projected Funders - including the amount each funder contributes.

Project Budget - detailing the income and expenses for the project.

Professional Staff List - including résumés of key project personnel.

Employment Hiring Policy - providing details on the organization’s hiring practices.

Board Members List - with their affiliations.

Racial and Gender Demographics - of board and senior staff, reflecting the organization’s diversity.

Final Report on Previous Grant - if applicable, for returning grantees.

Additionally, the application must include clear expected outcomes, a timeline for activities, and plans for evaluating the project’s progress.

These documents are submitted via the Foundation’s online system.

• Spring Cycle: Applications are due by March 15.
• Fall Cycle: Applications are due by September 15.

Applications submitted after the deadline will be considered for the next funding cycle. It’s important to ensure all required documents are submitted by these dates.

Progress Reports: Grant recipients must provide updates on the progress of the funded project, including any changes to the timeline or project goals.

Final Report: A final report is required upon project completion, detailing the outcomes, effectiveness, and impact of the funded project. This report should address the key indicators or measures tracked during the grant period.

Financial Reporting: Recipients must provide a detailed financial report outlining how the grant funds were spent, including a breakdown of project-related expenses.

Reports must include an evaluation of the project's success, challenges faced, and lessons learned, in addition to demonstrating the project's contribution to the Foundation’s goals of improving conditions for low-income, underserved communities in Chicago.

Alignment with Mission: The proposed project should clearly align with the Foundation’s mission of improving conditions for low-income, underserved communities in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Impact: The project should demonstrate a measurable and significant impact on the target population, addressing key issues such as education, health, housing, or economic development.

Feasibility: The project must be well-planned with a clear, realistic timeline, achievable goals, and a defined scope.

Sustainability: Preference is given to projects that have a long-term impact or the potential to sustain outcomes after the grant period ends.

Organizational Capacity: The Foundation looks for organizations with the experience, leadership, and resources necessary to successfully execute the proposed project.

Collaboration and Community Involvement: Projects that involve partnerships with other organizations or engage the community are highly valued.

Financial Responsibility: A clear budget and sound financial management practices are essential, ensuring that grant funds will be used effectively and responsibly.