Walter S. Mander Foundation Grants

Walter S. Mander Foundation Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Walter S. Mander Foundation
Last Updated: January 08, 2026

Summary

The Walter S. Mander Foundation offers grants focused on urban agriculture, local sustainable agriculture, community development, and cancer research. As a private foundation, it does not accept unsolicited proposals but allows brief introductory letters for review. Grants are made on a rolling basis, primarily supporting organizations serving Chicago and surrounding areas. Areas such as Jewish and Israeli organizations are also prioritized. The foundation is driven by the legacy of Walter S. Mander, a Jewish refugee who thrived in the American meatpacking industry.

Overview

NOTE: The Foundation does not invite unsolicited proposals. However, brief introductory letters (1-2 pages) may be submitted for review. If the board approves moving forward, the organization will be contacted regarding next steps in the proposal process. The Foundation does not have proposal deadlines and makes grants on a rolling basis throughout its fiscal year. About Us The Walter S. Mander Foundation is the legacy of Walter S. Mander, a Chicago resident who came to the U.S. as a Jewish refugee from Nazi Germany in 1940 and became one of the most successful individuals in the American meatpacking industry. Mr. Mander created the Walter S. Mander Foundation to advance his charitable interests during his lifetime. Upon Mr. Mander’s death from cancer in 1999, a significant portion of his estate was left to the Foundation. The Foundation is managed by a board of directors that includes family members and former co-workers, colleagues and friends. Areas of Interest The Walter S. Mander Foundation provides funding in the following areas: urban agriculture, local sustainable agriculture, community development, Jewish and Israeli organizations and cancer research. Cancer research funding (only open to invited proposals)Chicago economic development, including programs that provide employment training and job opportunities. We support entrepreneurs in underserved areas of the city with technical assistance, turnaround assistance and other services.Support of Jewish and Israeli organizations and programs (invited applicants only).Support of work that advances the local and sustainable food and agriculture in Chicago and Illinois, including reform of food production, processing and delivery structures.Support of urban agriculture and greening programs in Chicago that promote access to healthy food and provide job-related skills. Other grants outside these focus areas may also be made from time to time at the discretion of the board of directors. Grants for direct service are limited to organizations serving Chicago and its immediate surrounding area (Cook County). The Walter S. Mander Foundation is a member of Fresh Taste, SAFSF and SLoFIG, local and national organizations that support and invest in a variety of sustainable food and agriculture initiatives.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Grants for direct service are limited to organizations serving Chicago and its immediate surrounding area (Cook County).

Ineligibility

It is not necessary to provide materials specifically tailored to the Foundation.