The Special Kids Foundation is a private independent foundation. To be eligible for support organizations must:.
We pride ourselves on being a hands-on foundation that awards yearly grants to organizations that serve children and families in the metropolitan Chicago area, including Cook, DuPage, Will, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties.
Grants are awarded in six program areas:
Applications are only accepted from eligible 501(c)(3) organizations. We provide funds that fall within our mission to support organizations that make a positive impact in the lives of children with developmental disabilities through education, treatment and/or inclusion. We will not consider applications requesting funds only for operating expenses. Any requests for building renovations must directly affect the children served. Priority is given to support direct services to children.
Before submitting a grant proposal, please thoroughly review the foundation's:
Grant applications must be in our office by the due date. The annual application form is posted on the website no later than January 15th. Please answer all the questions on the application form and be sure to include all requested attachments with your proposal.
Download the 2019 Grant Application
If your proposal arrives incomplete, we will notify you of its missing components. You will have three days from the due date to provide the missing information. Special Kids Foundation has a two-stage review process. First, all applications are read and evaluated by the volunteer Grant Committee. At our meeting, held in the Spring, the committee determines which applications will proceed to the second stage, a site visit. Site visits are conducted throughout the summer. Final meetings are held in July and/or August to make the final grant decisions. Grant checks are awarded at an event in September.