World Christian Leadership Conference

The Kashlan Foundation

Dearborn Heights, MI

Universal Peace Federation

Tarrytown, NY

Development of a global culture of service and cooperation, guided by the principle of "living for the sake of others". Peacebuilding efforts among governmental, religious, cultural, education and civil society representatives working together with mutual respect and a shared commitment to cooperation and good governance. Renewal of the United Nations, including a recommendation that the UN create an interreligious council within its structures.

The Chicago Community Trust

Chicago, IL

The Chicago Community Trust funds nonprofits advancing economic mobility, narrowing the wealth gap, and meeting urgent needs, with priorities including Black and Latine income and assets, homeownership, and investment in underinvested communities. Its 2024 median grant was $25,000, though awards varied widely; funding generally benefits Chicago-region residents. It accepts applications for listed open opportunities through GrantCentral; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests outside those opportunities.

Arthur J Gallagher Foundation

Rolling Meadows, IL

The Arthur J Gallagher Foundation, established in 1964, primarily administers employee-matching gifts for organizations working in education, human services, and philanthropy. With over $1.6 million in annual giving and typical grants ranging from $10 to $136,000, the foundation made nearly 2,000 grants in 2023. The foundation focuses its grantmaking on organizations located in Illinois, California, and New York.

The Allstate Foundation

Northbrook, IL

The Allstate Foundation, the charitable arm of Allstate Corporation, empowers vulnerable populations through funding in youth empowerment, relationship abuse prevention, racial equity, and workforce readiness. Grants typically range from $100 to $2 million, with a median award of $1,000 and average grant of $16,400, supported by annual charitable disbursements exceeding $38 million. The foundation focuses its grantmaking nationally across the United States.

Elks National Foundation Inc

Chicago, IL

The Elks National Foundation funds scholarships, youth programs, veterans services, disaster relief, and community projects, primarily through Elks Lodges and state associations in communities across the United States where Elks live and work. Its 2025 grants had a median of $8,500, though amounts varied widely; the listed Beacon and Freedom Grants are limited to Elks Lodges. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Baxter International Foundation

Deerfield, IL

The Baxter International Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Baxter International Inc., advances global healthcare access, STEM education, and community resilience in locations where the company operates. The foundation distributes millions annually through matching gifts, capacity-building grants, and employee giving programs, with an average grant term of 12-24 months and a maximum 10% overhead cap. Note that the foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals and operates on a grant cycle basis with announced deadlines.

John D and Catherine T Macarthur

Chicago, IL

The foundation funds a broad range of work, including journalism, arts, Chicago communities, climate and clean energy, homelessness, human rights, and criminal justice reform. Its 2024 grants had a median of $160,000, with awards ranging from $450 to $21 million; funding is nationwide, with the largest shares going to New York, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. Application rules vary by program: some accept self-nominations or Letters of Inquiry, while others generally do not fund unsolicited proposals.

Arie and Ida Crown Memorial

Chicago, IL

Arie and Ida Crown Memorial supports a broad range of organizations, including education, Jewish organizations, and community foundations. Its 2024 grants ranged from $500 to $3 million, with a median of $55,000; 55% of grant dollars went to Illinois, with additional funding in New York, Washington, DC, California, and Minnesota. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Jewish Federation of Metropolitan

Chicago, IL

The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan funds human services, education, community programs, Jewish life, and crisis relief in the Chicago area, as well as support for Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. Its 2025 grants ranged from about $5,000 to $27.4 million, with a median of about $20,000. Unsolicited requests are not addressed for the Federation overall; its separate Jewish Women’s Foundation accepts letters of intent, with proposals by invitation only.

Polk Bros Foundation Inc

Chicago, IL

Polk Bros Foundation funds community-driven Chicago nonprofits working to close the life expectancy gap, build community wealth, and foster participatory, multiracial democracy. Recent grants ranged from $100 to $250,000, with a median of $25,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests during its transition period, which ends in fall 2026; it currently offers targeted RFPs.

Circle of Service Foundation

Chicago, IL

Circle of Service Foundation funds community services, education, medical research, and Jewish causes, with nearly all grants going to organizations in Cook and Lake Counties, Illinois. Grants typically range from $100 to $500,000, with a median of $25,000. It accepts unsolicited pre-applications for community services and Jewish community needs; education and medical research grants are typically by invitation, and unsolicited capital proposals are not accepted.