Types of Grants
Core grantmaking involves the completion of an organizational form. New applicants should also include a recent funding proposal that speaks to their organization’s work and/or programming.
Special grantmaking is available by invitation only. Please contact the grants managers or the VP of Programs for more information.
How to Apply
The grant portal for Returning Grantee Partners and New Applicants is now CLOSED for 2024.
Returning Grantee Partners: You will receive an invitation link to reapply from Deborah Clark, Woods Fund Chicago’s Director of Grants Management.
New Applicants: Please read our core grantmaking priorities and criteria here before applying. If you are interested in applying, please click here to receive a link to create an account on GivingData. This step must be completed before submitting a funding request via GivingData.
Returning grantee partners should contact their Program Officer with any questions. New applicants should contact Deborah Clark at dclark@woodsfund.org for inquiries about our grantmaking process or submitting requests on GivingData.
Currently, we do not fund:
Organizations outside of the Chicago metropolitan area (Chicago city proper and its surrounding suburbs)
Business or economic development projects
Capital campaigns, capital projects, capital acquisitions, housing construction/rehabilitation
Endowments
Health care institutions, including, but not limited to, hospitals and clinics
Organizations that provide direct services
Medical and scientific research
K-12 and post-secondary education scholarships
Religious programs
Leadership development or fellowship programs