Chicago Society Foundation Grant

The Chicago Society Foundation Grant aims to enhance the well-being of the Polish American community by supporting cultural, historical, and educational projects. This private charitable organization is dedicated to philanthropic assistance tailored for individuals and organizations of Polish heritage. Through various fundraising efforts, including Casino Nights, the Foundation has successfully maintained its financial health, allowing it to provide ongoing support to worthy recipients. Grants are awarded based on specific eligibility criteria, excluding construction projects.

Mindful of that purpose, the Foundation’s directors, consisting of all former Presidents and the current serving President of the Society, have made grants to an array of organizations and causes consistent with service to the Polish American community. These have included, to name a few, The Polish Museum, the Irena Krzyzanowska Sendler film (televised on PBS in the Spring of 2011 with credits to the Chicago Society Foundation and a number of Society members,) the Chicago Society scholarship winners, Polish dance groups, and a biography of Casimir Pulaski for placement in many Chicago Public libraries. All Chicago Society members should be proud of the work the Foundation has done throughout its existence to carefully evaluate and identify only the most worthy recipients of support.
In addition to its initial seed funding from the Building Corporation, the Foundation has worked to enhance its funds by various means over the years, most notably its Casino Night sponsorship.
The Foundation meets quarterly, carefully invests its funds to remain a viable source of grants for years to come, welcomes qualifying grant requests from worthy Polish American organizations and causes for consideration, and will continue to serve its mission.

Eligibility

Requests for grants from the Chicago Society Foundation must comply with the following guidelines.Grant requests must be in accord with the applicable provisions of the Foundation Constitution."The purpose of the Chicago Society Foundation is to provide philanthropic and charitable assistance to meet the needs of individuals primarily of Polish heritage and organizations primarily dedicated to the Polish-American or Polish community within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue law."

Ineligibility

Grants for construction, renovation or remodeling are not generally considered to be within the mission of the Chicago Society Foundation.