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Interested in Applying?

Check out our What We Fund and FAQs to determine if your organization and/or project aligns with CFW's core values. If yes, click below to access our application, and pick the funding opportunity that best fits your program/organization's needs.
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What We Fund
Grant FAQs

Grant Opportunities

Western Suburbs Giving Circle

Due Date: February 12, 2025

The WSGC is a group of Cook County and DuPage County women who combine their funds to address the needs of women and girls in the western suburbs. Since its inception in 2016, WSGC has awarded almost $250,000 to local organizations working with women and girls.  

The WSGC has launched its Request For Proposals (RFP) and is seeking proposals from organizations focused on general operating and program support (both direct service and advocacy) across all three issue areas.  Apply Here 

Click here for the full 2025 Western Suburbs Giving Circle RFP.

Orientation

Grantmaking Orientations

CFW offers grantmaking orientations to prospective applicants. If your organization would like to learn more about the grantmaking process at CFW, please keep an eye out the this webpage as the dates are to be announced. 

Process

Chicago Foundation for Women uses a community-led grantmaking process to review and recommend grants awarded.

The Foundation’s Board of Directors reviews all recommendations and approves all grant awards.

Decisions

Final decisions on applications for the Spring Cycles will be made at the June Board of Directors’ meeting. Final decisions on applications for the Fall Cycles will be made at the December Board of Directors’ meeting.

Contact

Chicago Foundation for Women welcomes questions from applicants at any point before, during, and after the application process. Please contact Lora York, Senior Program Officer, at lyork@cfw.org or 312.577.2814.