About this program

Catch-all summary of COSF's grantmaking and application process: the page describes eligibility/starting criteria (focus areas: Education, Jewish Community, Medical Research, Community Services), and directs applicants to register/login to the foundation's grants portal to submit pre-applications or applications.

Eligibility

• Must be a public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
• If organization is classified under Section 509(a)(3), contact the foundation before applying
• For Community Services and Jewish Community requests: applicant or program must be in Cook County or Lake County, Illinois
• Must have capacity to fulfill a COSF Challenge Grant (able to raise funds from new donors and increased funds from existing donors and track/report these donations)
• During your last fiscal year: had a broad base of non-governmental supporters and received at least $75,000 in private revenue (exceptions/new orgs referenced)
• Board of directors of at least five unrelated members (with at least four members who are not employees)
• Board members must make meaningful personal financial contributions
• Must be able to state desired outcomes/current year goals and provide recent evaluation results if established

Geographic eligibility

Contact & website