Topfer Family Foundation Grant

The Topfer Family Foundation Grant aims to empower individuals by providing essential resources and support in various program areas, including child abuse prevention, youth enrichment, job training, children's health, and aging in place. This grant is focused on fostering self-sufficiency through initiatives that promote education, practical life skills, and access to healthcare. The foundation prioritizes organizations in the greater Austin, Chicago, Denver, and Broward County areas, ensuring that funds directly benefit local communities.

The Topfer Family Foundation is committed
to helping people connect to the tools and resources needed to build self-sufficient and fulfilling lives.
Program Areas
The mission of the Topfer Family Foundation (TFF) is to fund programs and organizations that connect people to the tools and resources they need to build self-sufficient and fulfilling lives. Programs eligible for TFF funding will adhere to the guidelines listed below and address one or more of the following program areas:

• Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment

Self-sufficiency for children and families begins in a safe, healthy home. TFF supports programs that provide resources, training and treatment for families and children of abuse. Grants are awarded to programs that promote positive parenting, strengthen families, and provide early intervention. Additionally, TFF funds therapeutic support services for victims of abuse to enhance their quality of life and enable them to reach their full potential.
Youth Enrichment
TFF is committed to helping at-risk youth prepare for self-sufficient, fulfilling lives. Therefore, the foundation funds initiatives that help youth develop practical life skills, promote education, build self-confidence, and provide positive development and enrichment opportunities.
Job Training and Support Services
Self-sufficiency is unlikely without the skills and knowledge to earn a livable wage. Therefore, the foundation supports job training programs and support services that enable people to increase their earning potential and enhance their quality of life through sustainable and meaningful employment. Initiatives eligible for TFF funding include vocational training, remedial education and life skills training. Successful programs will address the multiple needs of the individual to ensure that employment is secured and sustained.
Children's Health
For parents who have faced the expensive and overwhelming task of caring for an ill child, self-sufficiency can be a distant dream. TFF supports organizations that provide access to critical healthcare for low-income children and those with chronic and terminal illnesses. Grants are awarded to programs that address the physical and emotional needs of sick children and their families through compassionate care, medical treatment and intervention services.
Aging in Place
Aging does not lead to an inevitable loss of independence. However, limited access to safe, affordable housing can be a barrier. TFF partners with local organizations that provide housing options for the elderly while ensuring access to the support services needed to maintain their health and independence. Eligible programs include those that offer home modification, home repair, food and nutrition services, and affordable housing alternatives.
Application Process
The Topfer Family Foundation accepts applications year-round and reviews them on a quarterly basis. Please see below for information about how to apply. Due to the volume of requests received each year, we cannot accept requests in the form of letters, proposals or presentations.

Eligibility

Applicants must have tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status.Geographic AreasThe Topfer family is keenly interested in understanding the unique needs of the communities in which they invest foundation resources. Therefore, contributions are limited to the communities in which the family resides: the greater Austin, Texas and the greater Chicago, Illinois metropolitan areas. The Foundation has recently begun providing grants to organizations in Denver, CO and Broward County, FL.If your organization is based in either of these two communities, please first reach out to staff with general information on your organization/program prior to starting an application.

Ineligibility

TFF does not generally support:Grants or loans to individuals
More than 20 percent of an organization’s operating budget
Organizations that exclude participants based on race or religion
The purchase of dinner, gala or raffle tickets
School fundraisers or events (including sports and other extracurricular activities)
Tax-generating entities (municipalities, school districts, etc.) for services within their normal responsibilities
Public or private educational institutions for: recurrent operating, administrative or capital expenses (i.e. acquisition, construction, improvement and maintenance of buildings and equipment), or scholarships that subsidize existing funding base