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.
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 MoreChicago’s Cultural Treasures
Location: Chicago
Sector: Arts and Culture
Funding Partner: Multiple
Chicago’s Cultural Treasures is focused on strengthening, growing, and preserving organizations whose mission is to enable the creation, preservation, and dissemination of art stemming from BIPOC traditions, leadership, and culture – for short, we refer to them as “BIPOC arts organizations.”
Learn MoreEarly Childhood Education
Location: Multiple Locations
Sector: Early Childhood Education
Funding Partner: Multiple
IFF is committed to increasing access to high-quality early childhood education (ECE) for all children by creating and supporting safe and inspiring spaces, especially in communities where it is most needed. We partner with early childhood providers, government, philanthropy, and local stakeholders to strengthen ECE programs across the Midwest.
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