How much funding does Excellerator Fund provide?

Funding amounts vary. Check the grant details for specifics.

When is the deadline for Excellerator Fund?

This grant has a rolling deadline or the deadline has not been announced.

Excellerator Fund

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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Excellerator Fund

Overview: A community-driven grantmaking initiative that promotes equitable social and economic recovery in Chicago's Black and Mexican communities.

Program Details:

Duration: 5-year initiative

Joint Venture: Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation and Latinos Progresando

Funding Goal: $10 million over five years

Current Status: $4 million secured and invested in 86 organizations as of 2026

Geographic Scope: Chicago's Black and Mexican communities, specifically Auburn Gresham and Little Village neighborhoods

Key Focus Areas:

Support for Black and Mexican-led organizations

Community-based leadership development

Cross-community collaboration and unity

Social and economic equity

Nonprofit sustainability

Eligibility:

Black and Mexican-led organizations

Note: 75% of current grantees have budgets under $500,000

Program Components:

Grant making

Convenings (for continuous learning, relationship building, and feedback gathering)

Capacity building

Partners: Healthy Communities Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, Polk Bros. Foundation, Crown Family Philanthropies, Discover, Shine Bright Community Center, and Builders Initiative

Contact Information:

Contact: Yerendi Cintron

Email: excelleratorfund@gagdc.org

Website: www.excelleratorfund.org

Additional Contact: Haya Muhammad, Program Manager, Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation

Background Context: The initiative was launched to address the significant philanthropic funding gaps affecting Black and Latino communities in Chicago (Black communities receive >2% of philanthropic investments; Latino communities receive ~1%; assets in Black & Latino organizations are 76% less than White-led organizations).

How to Apply

Application Process

Grant Cycles: Two grant cycles per year

Spring cycle

Fall cycle

How to Apply:
1. Contact Yerendi Cintron or email excelleratorfund@gagdc.org to express interest
2. Organizations will receive information about the current grant cycle deadlines and requirements
3. Additional information and detailed application instructions available at www.excelleratorfund.org

Note: Specific application materials, narrative questions, and submission formats are not detailed on this page; applicants should contact the program directly or visit the Excellerator Fund website for complete application requirements.

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