Please review the Grantee section of our website for more information.

Organizations may not use all the funds granted during the grant period due to several reasons, including: a late project start; a change in key project staff; increased funding from other sources that may reduce the amount required from the Siragusa Family Foundation in a given year; and/or a change in the project that reduces expenses.

Grantees must notify foundation staff as soon as possible about a change in how or when they will expend the funds granted. The course of action will vary depending on the situation and staff will work with the grantee to establish an appropriate resolution.

Grantees must communicate with foundation staff regarding a change in their program or project that would affect funding or use of funds from the Siragusa Family Foundation. Requests to delay or alter the award date for grants will be reviewed for both financial and programmatic feasibility and are not automatically granted.

Grantees should contact foundation staff about circumstances surrounding a substantial delay or change in the program’s/project’s progress. It is best to notify the foundation as soon as a challenge is encountered so that staff may work with the organization to establish next steps that make sense for both the foundation and the grantee.

If the grantee is still able to complete the project and needs more time, it may request an extension of the grant time period. Grant extensions require prior approval. We ask that grantees request an extension at least 3 months prior to the end of the grant period so the request may be reviewed with ample time to address any additional questions.

We ask that grantees alert the foundation of the situation as soon as possible. Staff will make every effort to work with grantees to ensure that they are able to provide the information required in a fashion that is suitable to both the organization and to the foundation.

There is a standard grant application form that will be provided by foundation staff following the invitation to submit a proposal.

If invited to apply, foundation staff will advise the organization on the appropriate amount of funds to request, taking into account its organizational budget, project budget and expected income from other sources. The foundation rarely is the sole funder of a project and encourages applicants to develop a variety of individual, government and private funding sources for their programs.

Yes, the foundation funds both program-related costs and general operating expenses. It should be clearly stated what aspects of operating expenses funding from the foundation will help cover. Furthermore, the foundation will support expenses associated with implementing the specific project for which you are requesting funding. These expenses may include administrative costs, such as salaries and facility usage, and should be included as specific line items in the project budget submitted with your application.

The foundation typically does not support capital or endowment campaigns. The foundation also does not support individuals or advocacy initiatives.

The foundation’s priority is to fund projects and programs that enhance the quality of life in the greater metropolitan Chicago area. A small percentage of funding is granted to initiatives outside the area, based on the interests of foundation board and family members.

Invited proposals are reviewed by staff and the foundation’s board to determine which projects best meet funding priorities and review criteria. Staff may contact you for additional information if needed throughout the review process.

Proposals that are approved for grants at the foundation’s November board meeting will be notified shortly thereafter via an award letter. The letter will stipulate the terms of the grant, distribution date(s) of the funds, and other relevant information regarding your relationship with the foundation as a grantee.

Yes. Unless otherwise stated, grantees are required to submit a Grant Report, detailing the activities carried out during the year as supported by the foundation.