Closed
This organization closed in 2023. It filed a final 990 indicating termination and no longer appears as active in IRS records, as it is absent from the EO Business Master File and Pub78 List.
AI Summary
Was this helpful?
The First Spoke Foundation is a 501(c)(3) grantmaking organization that focuses its funding primarily in Illinois, New York, and California, having awarded a total of $3.3 million across 89 grantees in 2023. This foundation operates on a relationship-based model and does not accept unsolicited proposals, making grants by invitation only. Nonprofits interested in potential funding opportunities can explore warm-introduction pathways through Impala's Funder Prospecting.
Mission Statement
The Foundation is organized to foster, promote, support, develop, encourage and maintain the broad charitable, educational and/or religious purposes of, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and the Foundation as authorized in their by-laws.
Cause Areas
3
Education
Law
Religion
Explore this org's ecosystem
See top causes for this funder's grantees, who else funds them, and their grants.
Learn about Ecosystems


Explore this org's ecosystem
See top causes for this funder's grantees, who else funds them, and their grants.
Learn about Ecosystems
Grantee
Total Funding
Funding Share
University of Illinois Foundation
$5.3M
17%

BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL FOUNDATION
$4.1M
13%

THE ARK
$3.8M
12%
Evaluate your own portfolio
Understand the health of your own grantees and uncover signs of risk.


Evaluate your own portfolio
Understand the health of your own grantees and uncover signs of risk.
Total No. of Grants
25
Median 1st year grant
$50K
Median 2nd year grant
$100K
Top 3 Grants
Matched grants only
Grantee
Grant Size
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit an unsolicited grant proposal to The First Spoke Foundation?
No. The First Spoke Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. Funding is by invitation only.
Where does The First Spoke Foundation give?
The First Spoke Foundation primarily gives to organizations located in Illinois, New York, and California. These states represent the largest share of the foundation’s grantmaking by dollars awarded. Additional geographic details are available to registered users.
What size are The First Spoke Foundation’s grants?
The largest share of grants from The First Spoke Foundation fall in the $50 thousand to $100 thousand range. The median first-year grant is about $50 thousand. More detailed grant size data is available to registered users.
How many grants does The First Spoke Foundation make each year?
In 2023, The First Spoke Foundation awarded about 30 grants, totaling nearly $3.3 million. More detailed grant metrics are available to registered users.
Who did The First Spoke Foundation fund recently?
In 2023, The First Spoke Foundation awarded grants to about 90 grantees. Recent grantees include University of Illinois Foundation, BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL FOUNDATION, and THE ARK. More detailed information on all recent recipients is available to registered users.
How do we apply to The First Spoke Foundation?
The First Spoke Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. Funding is by invitation only.
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved to Chario Inc. (d.b.a. Impala)