For Funding Applicants
We invite organizations to learn about our grant programs, to apply during our submission periods, and to contact the Foundation with questions.
The Alexander S. Pissios Family Foundation allocates specific funds each year to support organizations that have shown exceptional leadership in their field, inspire positive change, and promote the Alexander S. Pissios Family Foundation’s mission and vision.
Numerous non-profit organizations, both in Illinois and beyond, undertake many worthy endeavors. However, since we can only support some of them, we strive to promote and support organizations that align with our core priorities and geographic focus.
We are currently accepting applications
The current submission period ends May 1.
Starting in January 2024, the Alexander S. Pissios Family Foundation has implemented a new application process for funding requests.
Program Grants
For programs that are ongoing or in development by a non-profit organization with goals that align with Foundation priorities. Program sponsorship funds must be dispersed within one year of receiving the grant.
Requests for $2,000 to $10,000
Special Events
For first-time events or repeating events that support a non-profit organization with goals that align with Foundation priorities. Event sponsorship funds must be dispersed within six months following the event date.
Requests for $500 to $2,500
Major Gifts
Funding of over $10,000 is provided by the Foundation by invitation only.
One Grant Per Year
An organization may receive one grant per year.
Renewals
Receiving a program grant or event funding does not guarantee renewal the following year.
Eligibility
To be eligible for support, an organization must:
- Be a 501(c)(3) public charity.
- Not discriminate in hiring staff or providing services based on race, religion, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disability.
Considerations
Programs and events must be consistent with the focus of the Alexander S. Pissios Family Foundation, the scope of its Mission, and its Core Values.
Considerations for applying for funding:
- All grants are made at the discretion of the Alexander S. Pissios Family Foundation. Qualification under the Foundation’s Grant Policies and Guidelines does not entitle an organization to receive a grant. The Alexander S. Pissios Family Foundation reserves the sole and exclusive right to decline to make any grant requested.
- Organizations may not apply more than one time in a given year.
- Due to the volume of requests received each year, funding received in one year is not guaranteed to be renewed the following year.
- Event sponsorship funds must be spent within six months following the event date.
- Program sponsorship funds must be dispersed within one year of receiving the grant.
- Event sponsorship funds may not be used retroactively.
- Recipients of Program Grants must submit a Final Report that includes a summary of the program progress, reasonable detail regarding funds expended and achievements as well as outcomes.
The Foundation does NOT consider:
- Grant requests for a ‘pass through’ to a third party or another program or project.
- Solicitation(s) from annual contribution drives.
- Grant applications for funding political activity of any kind, lobbying efforts, voter registration, or other activities that attempt to influence public elections.
- Requests that fund capital campaigns.
The Foundation does NOT fund:
- Direct grants to individuals.
- Completed projects to pay existing debts or deficit funding or for political expenditures or lobbying activities.
- In general, grant requests for capital improvements.
Considerations for using the online application system:
- Applications in progress may be saved and completed at a later time.
- Applications that are not submitted within three (3) months of being created will be deleted from our system.
- Any incomplete application will not be considered for review.
Grant Documentation Requirements
Non-profit Documentation:
- Copy of most recent IRS 501(c)(3) federal tax exemption letter (not needed on renewal grants)
- Most recent Form 990 or 990-N filed by the applicant with the IRS, including Schedule A, or an explanation of why none has been filed.
- Current Illinois Charitable Organization Registration Statement (Form CO-1).
Organization Information:
- List of current funders
- List of current Board of Directors
- Website URL
- Examples of stewardship PR
- List of other grants the applicant has received in the past year, including, without limitation, federal, state, or private grants
Program and Financial Information:
- Financial statements (preferably audited) for the prior three (3) years.
- Operating organizational budget and year-to-date results for the current fiscal year
- Program Description
- Statement of Need
- Budget for a program or event to be funded, including anticipated sources of income
Two Grant Application Options
To apply for funding, two separate applications are available on the Foundation’s website.
For those seeking funding for events that support non-profit organizations:
Complete the Events Funding application.
For those seeking a grant for an established program or a program being developed:
Complete the Program Grant application.
Due to the volume of requests received each year, funding received in one year is not guaranteed to be renewed the following year.
Organizations may not apply more than one time in a given year.
For assistance in completing an application or technical support, contact us.
Grant Application Cycles and Process
February 1 – May 1
August 15 – November 15
We are currently accepting applications
The current submission period ends May 1.
After submitting your proposal, a notification will be sent to the contact provided on the Grant Application within two to three weeks indicating whether the application is complete or if additional materials are needed.
Applicants being considered may be invited to participate in a due diligence discussion.
All invited and received applications will be reviewed, and recommendations will be prepared for review by the Board of Trustees and/or their designee, which has sole authority to approve grant requests. Each applicant will be contacted and advised of the Board’s decision.
If a grant is approved, an agreement will be sent out within a reasonable time frame (usually two to three weeks) following the review, and the funding will be disbursed upon receipt of the signed gift agreement.
Please note: Proposals received from new, prospective applicants would require more due diligence and, therefore, take longer than the time frames noted above to discuss and resolve questions and provide notice of funding decisions.