Big Shoulders Fund
AI Summary
Was this helpful?
The Big Shoulders Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization, focuses primarily on grantmaking in Illinois and Indiana, having distributed $15.1 million in grants to 83 grantees in 2024. This funder operates on a relationship-based model and does not accept unsolicited proposals, making grants by invitation only. Nonprofits interested in engaging with the Big Shoulders Fund can explore warm-introduction pathways through Impala's Funder Prospecting.
Mission Statement
We provide support to high need schools which provide a quality, values-based education for Chicago and Northwest Indiana's children.
Cause Areas
1
Education
Explore this org's ecosystem
See top causes for this funder's grantees, who else funds them, and their grants.
Explore this org's ecosystem
See top causes for this funder's grantees, who else funds them, and their grants.
Grantee
Total Funding
Funding Share
ST FRANCIS DE SALES HIGH SCHOOL
$5.8M
8%
ST ETHELREDA CHURCH
$4M
5%
HOLY ANGELS PARISH
$3.4M
4%
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
78
Median 1st year grant
$27.3K
Median 2nd year grant
$53.1K
Top 3 Grants
Matched grants only
Grantee
Grant Size
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit an unsolicited grant proposal to Big Shoulders Fund?
No. Big Shoulders Fund does not accept unsolicited proposals. Funding is by invitation only.
Where does Big Shoulders Fund give?
Big Shoulders Fund primarily gives to organizations located in Illinois and Indiana. 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 Big Shoulders Fund’s grants?
The largest share of grants from Big Shoulders Fund fall in the $100 thousand to $250 thousand range. The median first-year grant is about $27 thousand. More detailed grant size data is available to registered users.
How many grants does Big Shoulders Fund make each year?
In 2024, Big Shoulders Fund awarded about 80 grants, totaling nearly $15.1 million. More detailed grant metrics are available to registered users.
Who did Big Shoulders Fund fund recently?
In 2025, Big Shoulders Fund awarded grants to about 80 grantees. Recent grantees include ST FRANCIS DE SALES HIGH SCHOOL, ST ETHELREDA CHURCH, and HOLY ANGELS PARISH. More detailed information on all recent recipients is available to registered users.
How do we apply to Big Shoulders Fund?
Big Shoulders Fund does not accept unsolicited proposals. Funding is by invitation only.