Grants Overview
What We Fund
Chicago Foundation for Women funds organizations and programs across four key issue areas: economic security, freedom from violence, access to health, and reproductive justice. Through this work, we aim to strengthen grassroots leadership, address the root causes of inequity, and create lasting change that ensures women, girls, and gender-expansive people can thrive in safe, just, and healthy communities.
Our Pillars
Expanding Economic
Security
We seek to expand economic security so all women, girls, and gender-expansive folks can care for themselves and their families in all stages of life.
Advancing Freedom from Violence
We work to ensure women, girls, and gender-expansive people are free from violence, including abuse, assault, harassment, trafficking, and more.
Improving Access to Health and Wellness
We work to expand access to quality mental, physical, preventive, and reproductive health services for women, girls, and gender-expansive people.
Advancing Reproductive Justice
We champion reproductive freedom and fund local efforts that protect care, expand access, and defend the right to make decisions about one’s body.
Western Suburbs Giving Circle Request for Proposals
The Western Suburbs Giving Circle will be accepting applications for operating support in any of Chicago Foundation for Women’s four issue areas. Grants will range from $5,000 to $15,000 and will be awarded for work being done between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027.
Organizations must be a 501(c)(3) or have a fiscal agent with a 501(c)(3), have an operating budget of $3 million or less, and have a primary service area in the western suburbs. Learn more about eligibility criteria and submission guidelines here.
Applications are now open. Apply online here by Monday, February 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM.