Service Club of Chicago Philanthropic Grant Awards

Geographic Scope: Greater Chicago area; applicant's central office must be within a 25-mile radius of 233 East Erie, Chicago, Illinois

Funding Focus: Non-recurring expenses for philanthropic organizations, including but not limited to:

• Equipment and capital improvements
• Program-related assets and materials
• Facility upgrades and expansions

What They Will NOT Fund:

• Operating expenses
• Employee compensation
• Professional services
• Rent/mortgage payments
• Ongoing monthly bills
• Recurring expenses covered in normal operating budget
• Cash awards (disbursed directly to vendors only)

Eligibility Requirements

• 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the IRS
• Minimum 3 years in operation
• Must be a non-profit philanthropic organization
• Must provide documentation of financial stability
• Must provide current IRS 990 filing
• Must provide latest full-year audited financials or CPA-reviewed financial statement
• Must provide current tax-exempt certificate from the IRS
• Must provide list of governing board members, staff, and directors
• Must submit at least two bids for each item requested (exceptions may apply)

Ineligibility

• Recent grant recipients: Organizations that received grants in the preceding year are not eligible to apply for the following 3 consecutive calendar years. For example, for the 2026 grant cycle, only agencies granted in 2023 and earlier can be considered.
• Exception: Organizations denied in the preceding three-year period may apply in the current year.

Application and Review Timeline

• Application Period: December 1 – January 15 (no exceptions; online applications are time-stamped)
• Committee Scheduling: End of January
• Interviews/Site Visits: February through Early May
• Committee Decision: June
• Award Reception: June
• Committee Site Visits: First-time applicants and those not visited within the past five years will receive facility visits by Philanthropic Committee members

Additional Notes

• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Applications must adhere to format requirements and not exceed page limits to facilitate timely committee review
• Do not include organizational brochures, newspaper articles, or other supplemental materials with the application; these may be shared during interviews or site visits
• Paper copy submission required along with supporting documents (marked "leave without signature")

How to Apply

1. Create an Account
   • Visit the registration page at theserviceclubofchicago.org/grants/registration/
   • Create a user account with your name, email, and password
   • Upon account creation, you'll have access to the online grant application form
2. Review Application Guidelines
   • Before submitting, read and understand the Grant Application Guidelines at theserviceclubofchicago.org/grants/application-guidelines/
   • Ensure your organization meets all eligibility requirements
3. Complete Online Application
   • Applications are only available from December 1 – January 15
   • Complete the online Grant Application Form
   • Online applications are time-stamped
   • You will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your application
4. Gather Required Supporting Documents
   • Current IRS tax-exempt certificate (501(c)(3) status documentation)
   • Latest IRS 990 tax filing
   • Latest full year of audited financials OR CPA-reviewed financial statement
   • At least two competitive bids for each item/service requested (exceptions may apply)
   • List of governing board members, staff, and directors
   • If part of a larger organization, financial summary must reflect your specific business unit
5. Submit Paper Copy and Documents
   • Print one (1) complete copy of the online application
   • Include one (1) copy of each supporting document listed above
   • Mail or hand-deliver to:
   • The Service Club of Chicago
   • Attention: Philanthropic Chairman
   • 233 East Erie – Suite 405
   • Chicago, IL 60611
   • Mark packages "leave without signature" (no paid staff available during business hours)
6. Interview and/or Site Visit
   • A Philanthropic Committee member will call to schedule your interview and/or on-site facility visit
   • Interviews and visits typically occur February through Early May
   • First-time applicants and those not visited within the past five years will receive a facility visit
7. Award Notification
   • Committee makes decisions in June
   • Grant recipients are invited to an award reception in June
   • Grants are disbursed directly to vendors (not to the agency)

Application Format Requirements

• Use the generic online application form provided
• Do not exceed page limits or submit excessive narrative
• Conform to format requirements for timely committee review
• Do not submit organizational brochures, newspaper articles, or other supplemental materials with the application

Questions

• Leave questions at (312) 220-9600 or email [email protected]