A Year of Transformation
This is a year of transition and transformation for Grand Victoria Foundation. We completed our first ever strategic plan, which outlines our theory of action and strategic priorities that are rooted in racial justice. Our strategic plan is an important milestone on our journey towards centering racial equity and racial justice that began in 2017, when we surveyed our grantees and they articulated they would like to see the Foundation be more explicit about race. We look forward to sharing our strategic plan with current and future foundation and grantee partners next year.
In preparation for the launch of our strategic plan in 2023, the Foundation is prioritizing aligning our grantmaking and operations to fully support our new strategic direction. For us to approach this work thoughtfully and with intention, we are not accepting unsolicited requests for funding this year, including letters of inquiry. Renewal grant requests from current grantees will be reviewed during our quarterly grant cycles. For current grantees, if you have questions, please contact your program officer. For non-grantees, if you have questions about our funding priorities and/or eligibility, we encourage you to sign up for our newsletter to learn about our new strategic direction next year.
When Illinois residents have opportunities for meaningful civic engagement and participation, conditions improve for systems change. Through activities designed to listen, learn, and engage people in ongoing dialogue, residents can directly address issues of public concern. The result is influence on decision-making processes that lead to a greater ability to define and direct the resources of community institutions.
Our Vision: People are empowered to identify, design, and execute community-informed solutions that make Illinois a strong, livable, and equitable place where every resident has an opportunity to thrive.
Who Should Apply
This grantmaking program will support organizations that:
- work to improve civil discourse, civic participation, community engagement, and a stronger democracy in Illinois
- encourage efforts that increase residents’ agency and leadership and helps them use authority that enhances community well-being
Please contact us at (312) 609-0200 or info@grandvictoriafdn.org if you have questions about our Engagement program.
To learn more about the application process, please visit our How to Apply page. To begin your application, please visit our Grant Portal to submit your Letter of Inquiry. Please create an account or login using your existing username and password.Â