Mayer and Morris Kaplan Foundation Chicago Education Grant

The Mayer and Morris Kaplan Foundation Chicago Education Grant aims to enhance postsecondary opportunities for first-generation students of color from low-income communities. With a focus on college readiness, completion, and career success, the Foundation supports organizations within Chicago that provide direct services and innovative solutions. Grants range from $20,000 to $50,000, with an emphasis on collaborative efforts that yield meaningful outcomes for students, thereby promoting systemic change in education.

The Mayer and Morris Kaplan Family Foundation is interested in increasing postsecondary opportunities and life success for first-generation students of color from low-income communities. This includes readiness for and access to college and other postsecondary pathways that lead to a quality career.
Areas of Focus:

• College ReadinessCollege CompletionProgressive PathwaysCareer Readiness and Career Success

We are interested in increasing postsecondary opportunities and life success for first-generation students of color from low-income communities. This includes readiness for and access to college and other postsecondary pathways that lead to a quality career.
Education grants generally range from $20,000-$50,0000. You may request an amount commensurate with our organizational/program needs. The Foundation will consider multi-year requests, depending on the organization and the nature of the work. Please apply for a one-year grant unless we specifically ask you to apply for multi-year funding.

Eligibility

The Foundation will consider proposals for both general operating and program-specific funding.We will only fund organizations located in the city of Chicago and/or organizations working in or partnering with Chicago Public Schools. If your organization is located outside the Chicago city limits, but provides substantial programming to Chicago youth, please contact staff to discuss eligibility.Organizations with 501(c)3 status.Other Considerations and CriteriaGrants in the Education program are made to organizations that work only within the city limits of Chicago.The Foundation supports organizations providing direct service and programs, as well as applied research intended to develop or improve evidence-based programming.Our grantmaking supports the efforts of nonprofit organizations, individual public schools in Chicago, Chicago Public Schools, institutions of higher education, or any of the above working together in collaboration.We are interested in supporting high quality programs that achieve meaningful outcomes for students; in finding systemic, innovative solutions that promote collaboration among stakeholders; and in engaging in deep relationships with grantees.

Ineligibility

Any organization that accepts funds for abstinence-only education.Any organization that has been designated a 509(a)(2) Type III by the IRS.Any organization in which funds will be used for the study and/or propagation of a particular religious faith.Individuals.Films or recordings.Organizations operating exclusively outside of the United States.Purchase of tickets to testimonial events or advertising in yearbooks and dinner programs.Any organization that violate our anti-hate policy: