2017 RESPONSIVE GRANT PROGRAM AWARDS
The primary focus of the Healthy Communities Foundation (HCF) is to improve the health and well-being of our local communities (See map and zip codes).
Healthy Communities Foundation is committed to supporting community-based health and human services and programs that are effective, accessible, affordable and culturally competent. Efforts that address the needs of the most socially and economically vulnerable community members are of particular interest. These might include programs and initiatives that improve the quality, comprehensiveness, and coordination of services or those that introduce new models and identify best practices that can contribute to learning.
Collaborations and strategic partnerships among stakeholders are welcomed. Healthy Communities Foundation believes in energizing the spirit and potential of the local community. We understand that solutions often involve the complex interplay of social, economic and environmental factors that shape health and well-being. To this end, HCF will also support policy/advocacy that informs and drives systems change that benefits the communities.
Target Populations
HCF addresses the health concerns of the most vulnerable members of society, particularly those who are isolated by poverty, race or ethnicity, language, culture, and other factors that make them difficult to reach.
Examples of our target populations include such vulnerable groups as:
- Children, youth and families
- Immigrants, refugees and the undocumented
- Older adults
- People with mental or physical health challenges
- Uninsured, underinsured residents
- Victims and those at high risk for violence
Types of Support
For 2017, we will consider only one-year requests. Requests may fall into one of the following grantmaking categories:
- Programs and services meeting the guidelines described above
- Small capital improvements up to $50,000
- Basic needs and/or responding to an urgent/unanticipated issue in the community
- Policy advocacy and/or community education and outreach
HCF does NOT make grants for:
- Organizations in which a substantial part of their activities include lobbying, propaganda, or other attempts to influence legislation
- Sectarian purposes that promote or require a religious doctrine
- Large capital projects such as buildings, renovations, vehicles, major equipment
- Durable medical equipment
- The cost of in-patient care
- Fundraising events, including sponsorships, tickets and advertising
- Debt reduction
- Individual and scholarship support
- Endowment support
Eligibility
- The applicant must have a 501(c)(3) determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service
- Preference is given to organizations serving our core service area. (See map and zip codes)
- Organizations must be non-discriminatory in hiring and in providing services on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin or disability.
If you feel that your organization matches our funding interests, criteria and eligibility requirements, and you would like to apply for a grant, please review the application procedures.
Application Procedures
It is important that applicants review the Healthy Communities Foundation (HCF) Policies and Guidelines before submitting a proposal. If upon reviewing the Grant Guidelines, you believe there is a match between your mission and Healthy Communities Foundation’s mission, please complete the applications form. If you need further clarification or guidance please feel free to call us at 708-443-5674.
Step One
The Responsive Grants Program process begins with the submission of grant applications. For 2017, there will only be one grant cycle in the fall with a deadline of September 15, 2017. Upon receipt of the application, staff will conduct a preliminary review of the proposals to make sure the application packet is complete and all required attachments are included.
Step Two
The next step is a review of the proposals. This may include a site visit to your office or locations where clients are being served. Generally, site visits are scheduled over a two-week period. During this time, we may also call or email you with questions or clarifications.
Step Three
Foundation staff submits its recommendations to the Board of Directors. The Board reviews the recommendations and approves and/or declines.
Final Step
Following the Board meeting, we will contact applicant organizations through either phone calls or by letter, notifying them of the Board’s decision. HCF completes a Memorandum of Agreement for each grant awarded; these are mailed to the grantee’s executive director/president for signature. HCF also requires the grantee’s board chair to sign the agreement. The whole process from receipt of grant proposals to the Board meeting is estimated to take three months.
Timeline
July 31, 2017 |
Application Period Opens |
September 15, 2017 |
Applications Due |
November 1, 2017 |
Grant Decisions |
Geographic Focus
Grants are given to organizations located within the Foundation’s geographic target area or serving a significant percentage of the local population in the communities of:
60130 Forest Park
60153 Maywood
60154 Westchester
60155 Broadview
60301 Oak Park
60302 Oak Park
60303 Oak Park
60304 Oak Park
60305 River Forest
60402 Berwyn, Forest View, Stickney
60455 Bridgeview
60457 Hickory Hills
60458 Justice
60459 Burbank
60501 Summit, Argo
60513 Brookfield
60525 LaGrange, Countryside, Hodgkins, Indian Head Park, McCook
60526 LaGrange Park
60534 Lyons
60546 Riverside, North Riverside
60558 Western Springs
60623 Chicago – Lawndale
60629 Chicago Lawn
60632 Chicago – Elsdon
60638 Bedford Park, Clearing, Forest View, Stickney
60644 Chicago – Austin
60652 Chicago – Ashburn Park
60804 Cicero