eligibility requirements and grant guidelines

To apply for an Impact Grants Chicago grant, an organization must:

  • Be classified as a “Public Charity” with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code for a minimum of 36 months prior to applying for the grant.
  • Be headquartered and operate in the city of Chicago.
  • Provide the majority of the services in the city of Chicago.
  • Independently file an IRS Form 990 (unless exempt by federal law) and be independently audited.
  • Report total revenues for the last full fiscal year between $650,000 and $8 million in the most recent 990. If exempt from filing 990, must meet revenue requirement in the audit.
  • Be separately audited, if the entity applying for the grant is a subsidiary or consolidated affiliate.
  • Use the full amount of the grant within 24 months.

Please note: Previous recipients of a $100,000 Impact Grant may not apply for a period of three years after the grant was awarded.



Impact Grants Chicago | Eligibility