Community Grants: Chicago

The Seabury Foundation's Community Grants in Chicago support 501(c)(3) organizations working in education, arts, lifelong learning, environmental sustainability, and wellness. Established in 1947, the foundation aims to address societal challenges through diverse grant programs. Organizations can apply for operating or project support with fixed award amounts based on their size. Notably, grants do not fund religious activities, political campaigns, or lobbying efforts, ensuring a focus on community enrichment.

NOTE: The Seabury Foundation Community Grants: Benzie County have been moved to a separate page and can be found here.
Background
Early interests of the foundation included the major cultural and civic institutions in Chicago, educational opportunities for those who could not afford them, conservation, healthcare, and opportunities for city children.
Over 75 years later, a larger family, representing an even greater diversity of interests, seeks to respond to the challenges in our society and to an expanding number of requests from worthy organizations.
Grant Programs
Organizations headquartered in the City of Chicago working in one or more of our focus areas are eligible to apply for general operating or project/program support. Award amounts are fixed based on the size of the organization according to the table here.
Focus Areas
Education: The Seabury Foundation supports organizations that instruct, inform, and guide people toward the development of knowledge, skills, and understanding. With this as the throughline, we have five focus areas for our grant making:
Academic Support – literacy, social & emotional learning, mentorshipArts Enrichment – access to the creative process through theatre, dance, music, film, and a variety of other arts, crafts, and cultural practicesLifelong Learning – adult education, job training, career developmentEnvironmental Sustainability – protection of environmental health, sustainability practices, urban gardeningWellness – food access, housing access, healthcare, mental health support, sports & movement

Eligibility

Our Community Grant program is open to 501(c)(3) organizations based in the City of Chicago