Cudahy Fund: General Community Grants

Cudahy Fund: General Community Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Patrick And Anna M Cudahy Fund
Last Updated: December 17, 2025

Summary

The Cudahy Fund offers general community grants focusing on social services, health, education, environment, and arts for under-resourced populations in Metropolitan Chicago and Wisconsin. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The fund aims to support initiatives that enhance community well-being, providing safety nets for marginalized groups and promoting access to quality education and cultural experiences. This fund does not support individual grants or projects outside its geographic focus.

Overview

NOTE: LOI's are accepted year-round on a rolling basis; however, to guarantee that an LOI is received with enough time to be reviewed at the next meeting on the calendar, send it at least 3 months before the proposal due date for that meeting . Funding Categories Social Services Services that provide safety nets and supports for under-resourced, low-income communities. This includes programs that assist homeless or almost homeless people with immediate needs and/or future success; programs that provide help for marginalized communities such as veterans or people exiting the prison system; shelter/housing; food/anti-hunger programs; and employment programs. Health and Human Services Support for programs that provide subsidized, low cost or free healthcare for the uninsured and under-insured of all ages; access to mental health; access to low or free-cost dental services; healthcare outreach programs; assistance for disabled individuals or other populations with specific challenges; and services for the elderly. Environment Our interests are primarily focused on conservation efforts to protect wildlife, the preservation of natural areas and public interest environmental law. Education Funding for exceptional early childhood, school age, high school, and college programs; after school programs; adult continuing education; and educational opportunities for adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Our funding often goes toward scholarship programs so that low-income communities have access to the same high quality programs as their peers. Art and Culture Most grants are designated for arts/culture access for under-privilaged populations such as subsidized entry to museums or other cultural sites or events.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants must be 501(c)3 tax-exempt nonprofit organizations.Our geographic focus is in Metropolitan Chicago and throughout the state of Wisconsin.

Ineligibility

The fund does not support:Organizations and projects primarily serving a local constituency outside of Wisconsin and the Chicago metropolitan area except for discretionary grants and special circumstancesOrganizations outside of the United States not represented by a United States 501(c)3 organization (nor do we accept LOI's for programs outside our geographic focus)Grants to individualsLoans or endowmentsCapital campaignsEvent sponsorships