Applicants

The Partnership’s niche is very specific, and proposals for funding are accepted by invitation only.

The Partnership’s niche is very specific, and proposals for funding are accepted by invitation only. If you are interested in applying for a grant and believe your organization’s work or proposed project aligns with The Partnership’s priorities, please visit What We Do for more detail about our programs and overall strategy—or contact The Partnership.

Below is a description of the grant-making process, following the invitation from The Partnership to apply. All proposals and progress reports are now completed and submitted using online forms.

1. Letter of Inquiry
The Partnership’s grant making process begins with a Letter of Inquiry in which a grant seeker outlines basic information about the requesting organization, the program for which funding would be sought and the amount requested. Applicants invited to submit an LOI are provided with login information to access the online application forms. After submitting an LOI, applicants will be notified as to whether a full proposal is requested. The request for a full proposal does not guarantee funding at any level. (As mentioned above, please contact The Partnership if you would like to discuss funding possibilities.)

2. Submitting a Proposal
Once an applicant is invited to submit a full proposal, the online Proposal Submission form should be completed. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis

3. Proposal Review
After initial screening, the requesting organization will be contacted to confirm that the required content has been included in the proposal, to request additional information, or to schedule a site visit, if appropriate.

This process generally takes two to four weeks.

Please note: During the time that a proposal is under review, an applicant must notify The Partnership of any significant changes in leadership (staff or board), financial circumstances, or the capacity of the agency to accomplish the proposed activities.

4. Notification of Decision
The Partnership’s Executive Director will send a letter of notification of approved grants promptly after the proposal is approved by The Chicago Community Trust’s Executive Committee. A grant record form will accompany the letter of notification. This form includes the schedule for payment of the grant as well as conditions of the grant.

For grants not approved, a letter of declination will be sent from the Executive Director of The Partnership to the organization/agency.

5. Reporting
Grantees are required to use The Partnership’s online Grantee Progress Report and Final Report Forms when submitting periodic reports as stipulated in the conditions of the grant.

Funding Exclusions

The Partnership does not provide support for:

• Ongoing operating expenses
• For-profit organizations
• Individuals
• Political parties or candidates
• Advertising journals, booklets
• Endowment campaigns
• Scholarships, student loans
• Fundraising events
• Athletic events

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