Ende Menzer Walsh & Quinn Retirees'
Official site for the EMWQ (Ende, Menzer, Walsh & Quinn) Widows' & Children's Assistance Fund of the Chicago Fire Department. The organization provides monthly stipends, holiday support and scholarships to families of fallen Chicago firefighters and lists a Chicago address, phone number and donation link.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Organizations or individuals that provide direct financial support, scholarships, or stipends to families of fallen firefighters or closely related social support for that community, especially in Chicago/Illinois.
Good Fit
- • Direct service to families of fallen firefighters or strong ties to the firefighter community.
- • Programs that deliver small, individual cash stipends, scholarships, or emergency assistance.
- • A Chicago or Illinois presence or a clear connection to beneficiaries in Illinois.
- • Capacity to manage small, frequent awards and provide documentation for individual recipients.
Geography
Grants reach many states (recipients recorded in about 21 states), but the majority of dollars (roughly 71%) stay in Illinois, indicating a national reach with a strong in-state concentration.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funds a large number of distinct recipients each year (roughly 340–412 annually, 379 in the latest year) with low top-recipient shares, and most grants are small individual awards, showing broad recipient variety rather than a tiny closed circle.
New Applicants
Behavior shows turnover and new entrants (72 new recipients in the latest year and substantial new-recipient rates in prior years), but the foundation states grants are by preselection only; this mix suggests unfamiliar applicants might gain entry but likely via nomination, referral, or targeted outreach rather than a public open competition.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
