The Christopher L & M Susan Gust
The Gust Foundation (Chicago) is a private foundation that partners with Chicago Public Schools to advance school-wide inclusion and equitable education. The site lists leadership (including Susan Gust), staff contact emails, and states the foundation does not accept unsolicited requests or proposals.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A Chicago-area school or education nonprofit focused on inclusion and equitable education, or a school administrator seeking a formal partnership with the foundation.
Good Fit
- • Direct work with Chicago Public Schools or clear plans for school-wide inclusion.
- • Request framed as partnership or program support rather than an unsolicited grant ask.
- • Capacity to engage with program staff (named inclusion strategists/co-directors).
- • Need for general operating support, teacher training, or school-wide inclusion initiatives.
- • Based in Illinois or demonstrates strong ties to Chicago communities.
Geography
Grants reach multiple states (9 in 2024) but are strongly concentrated in Illinois, which received about two-thirds of 2024 dollars.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 32 distinct recipients (and similar counts in prior years) with regular turnover and many independent organizations funded, even though dollars are concentrated among a few large grants.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of new entrants exists (about 8 new grantees in 2024) and a public partnership form is available, but site language discouraging unsolicited requests and a substantial core of returning grantees suggest selective access rather than an open general program.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
