Story
Founded in 2015, Thierer Family Foundation is grounded in a core belief: thoughtfully applied technology can help nonprofits reach more people and do their work more effectively and sustainably.
The Foundation put that belief to work using technology to improve access to food and essential services through practical, scalable solutions that help community organizations better support the people who rely on them. Today, Thierer Family Foundation’s mission is to increase the impact of nonprofits by helping them leverage technology to be more effective, efficient, and sustainable. The work has expanded, but the conviction behind it is the same: stronger nonprofits mean stronger communities.
Focus
Our grantmaking is currently focused on a select group of long-term partnerships that align closely with our mission and areas of focus. While we are not accepting unsolicited grant proposals at this time, we are grateful for the many organizations working every day to help people and communities thrive.
Advancing
through technology
Supporting the use of technology to help organizations operate more effectively, expand their reach, and strengthen outcomes.
Projects have included implementing cloud-based data management systems that streamline operations, improve reporting, and create capacity to reach and support more people.
Expanding
food access
Creating innovative, technology-enabled solutions that improve access to nutritious food and essential services.
Projects have included developing digital food access platforms that give neighbors more choice, reduce wait times, expand pickup options, and make nutritious food more accessible for busy families and working adults.
Supporting
family-led initiatives
Investing in organizations that enrich Chicago’s cultural landscape through philanthropy, leadership, and long-term partnerships.
Projects include helping arts organizations modernize patron engagement through integrated technology, alongside continued support for cultural institutions through grantmaking and board service.
Values
Our approach is grounded in a set of values that guide how we work, partner, and invest.
We take stewardship seriously
We are thoughtful about how we invest, who we partner with, and the long-term impact of what we build together.
We act with trust
We show up with integrity and transparency—within our family and with the organizations we support—building relationships grounded in mutual respect.
We stay closely connected
We listen, learn, and stay grounded in real experiences, knowing strong relationships lead to more thoughtful and effective work.
We lead with dignity
We treat every interaction with respect and care, recognizing the inherent worth of every person.
Team
Executive Director
Julie Hoffmann
Program Officer
LaTanya Gatewood
