
Special Programs
IFF partners with philanthropic institutions and investors to offer special programs in the form of grants, loans, and/or technical assistance targeted at nonprofits serving specific markets and/or sectors. Check out our list of current opportunities below.
Learning Spaces
Location: Detroit & Grand Rapids
Sector: Early Childhood Education
Funding Partner: Fisher Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, PNC Foundation, and Ralph C. Wilson Foundation
IFF Learning Spaces is a grant program designed to increase capacity and improve access to quality early childhood education across the City of Detroit. Providers can receive technical assistance, consulting services, and grants to improve facility quality.
Learn MoreMacArthur Arts and Culture Loan Fund
Location: Chicago
Sector: Arts and Culture
Funding Partner: MacArthur Foundation
Many nonprofit arts organizations need to manage the uneven cash flow resulting from the timing of production costs, ticket sales, and grant and government revenue. The MacArthur Foundation Arts & Culture Loan Fund helps address this need among small- and mid-sized arts and culture organizations in the Chicago area.
Learn MoreQuality Facilities for All
Location: Illinois
Sector: Early Childhood Education
IFF’s Quality Facilities for All is dedicated to the expansion, enhancement, and stabilization of infant and toddler programs in high-need communities across Illinois. Participants can receive grants for facility quality enhancement or expansion, leadership and professional development opportunities, and technical assistance on capital grant applications.
Learn MoreSmarter Spaces
Location: Chicago
Sector: Nonprofits
Funding Partner: Polk Bros Foundation
Purchasing or renovating a facility can be overwhelming, especially for nonprofits. IFF’s Polk-subsidized services help nonprofits make long-term decisions about facilities based on sound analysis and planning — saving organizations thousands of dollars and providing long-term peace of mind. IFF focuses on the real estate so nonprofits can focus on their mission.
Learn MoreStronger Nonprofits Initiative


Location: Multiple Locations
Sector: Nonprofits
Funding Partner: JPMorgan Chase
In this intensive program, nonprofits serving low-income communities of color in multiple locations across the Midwest will work to improve aspects of their organizational performance alongside other nonprofit leaders. This program is ideal for organizations poised and ready for change, and willing to devote meaningful senior staff and leadership time to the program.
Learn More