We believe that by combining technology with the necessary funding and expertise, we can enable organizations to be more effective, more efficient and more sustainable… in turn allowing them to do more good. With this in mind, we focus our grant making on projects that leverage technology to help improve operations and enhance the organization’s ability to deliver on its mission.
Qualifying nonprofit organizations serving the Chicagoland area are able to apply for two different grant programs with the Thierer Family Foundation - Technology Grants and Impact Projects. See below for details about the programs and how you can apply.
APPLICATION PROCESS
TECHNOLOGY GRANTS
Technology Grants are one-time grants made to fund organizational technology projects with the goal of making the grantee organization more effective, efficient, and/or sustainable.
These invite-only grants run on a yearly cycle from March through July and follow a more traditional grant process. Participation in this process is by invitation only. If you would like to submit your organization for consideration in the next Technology Grant cycle, please email grants@thiererfamilyfoundation.org.
During the application process, we require all organizations to complete a concept letter that provides an overview of your organization, audience, challenge and proposed project. These concept letters will be used to select semi-finalists. The semi-finalists will be asked to complete the Technology Grant application which will be sent with the concept letter response. Finalists will be selected and invited to present their project proposal in person to the Foundation.
APPLICATION PROCESS
TECHNOLOGY GRANTS
Technology Grants are one-time grants made to fund organizational technology projects with the goal of making the grantee organization more effective, efficient, and/or sustainable.
These invite-only grants run on a yearly cycle from March through July and follow a more traditional grant process. Participation in this process is by invitation only. If you would like to submit your organization for consideration in the next Technology Grant cycle, please email grants@thiererfamilyfoundation.org.
During the application process, we require all organizations to complete a concept letter that provides an overview of your organization, audience, challenge and proposed project. These concept letters will be used to select semi-finalists. The semi-finalists will be asked to complete the Technology Grant application which will be sent with the concept letter response. Finalists will be selected and invited to present their project proposal in person to the Foundation.
APPLICATION PROCESS
IMPACT PROJECTS
Impact Projects are innovative technology projects that have the potential to make a significant, long-term impact on the target population. These projects are generally also able to be scaled in size, reach or functionality.
Impact Projects are accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis throughout the year using a venture capital style approach that includes an in-depth due diligence process and a phased funding structure.
To submit a project for consideration, send a concept letter and completed contact form to grants@thiererfamilyfoundation.org.
During the application process, we require all organizations to complete a concept letter that provides an overview of your organization, audience, challenge and proposed project. If selected to move forward, you will be invited to pitch your project to the Thierer Family Foundation grants committee. If the project is of interest to the committee, your organization will move into the due diligence stage and will be asked to complete the Impact Project application and submit a business plan, resource request summary, a letter of board support, and a list of references. The Foundation will also conduct stakeholder interviews and a technology review with members of your organization. After that, you will work with the Foundation to define the project phases and key performance indicators.
Impact Projects are committed to on a phase-by-phase basis. Once the first phase is complete, you will work with the foundation to evaluate the initial phase and scope the following phase. Please note that commitment to prior phases does not guarantee commitment to future phases.
APPLICATION PROCESS
IMPACT PROJECTS
Impact Projects are innovative technology projects that have the potential to make a significant, long-term impact on the target population. These projects are generally also able to be scaled in size, reach or functionality.
Impact Projects are accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis throughout the year using a venture capital style approach that includes an in-depth due diligence process and a phased funding structure.
To submit a project for consideration, send a concept letter and completed contact form to grants@thiererfamilyfoundation.org.
During the application process, we require all organizations to complete a concept letter that provides an overview of your organization, audience, challenge and proposed project. If selected to move forward, you will be invited to pitch your project to the Thierer Family Foundation grants committee. If the project is of interest to the committee, your organization will move into the due diligence stage and will be asked to complete the Impact Project application and submit a business plan, resource request summary, a letter of board support, and a list of references. The Foundation will also conduct stakeholder interviews and a technology review with members of your organization. After that, you will work with the Foundation to define the project phases and key performance indicators.
Impact Projects are committed to on a phase-by-phase basis. Once the first phase is complete, you will work with the foundation to evaluate the initial phase and scope the following phase. Please note that commitment to prior phases does not guarantee commitment to future phases.
