BGBESPOKE GRANTSFind your funders free →
Grant funders / Illinois / A Better Chicago

A Better Chicago

Chicago, Illinois  ·  EIN 274499625  ·  Private foundation

A Better Chicago is a private foundation based in Chicago, Illinois. Its most recent IRS Form 990-PF reports $6.0M in grants paid and $12.3M in total assets. Bespoke Grants tracks 133 individual grants from this funder — $18.2M awarded across 2020–2024 — including its support for community improvement. Below is its full funding profile.

$6.0M
Annual giving (FY2020)
$12.3M
Total assets
133
Grants tracked
2024
Most recent grant

What A Better Chicago funds

A Better Chicago's giving carries a documented focus on community improvement.

Community Improvement

Grant history

The largest grants Bespoke Grants has on record for A Better Chicago, by amount:

RecipientLocationGrantYear
Kipp Chicago Schools
Community Development
Chicago, IL$715K2020
Roosevelt University
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Chicago, IL$600K2022
Noble Network of Charter Schools
Community Development
Chicago, IL$445K2020
Braven Inc
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Chicago, IL$418K2020
Juvenile Protective Association
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Chicago, IL$400K2023
Bottom Line
Community Development
Jamaica Plain, MA$325K2020
One Goal
Community Development
Chicago, IL$315K2020
Juvenile Protective Association
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Chicago, IL$300K2024
Bottom Line
Community Development
Jamaica Plain, MA$300K2024
Bottom Line
Community Development
Jamaica Plain, MA$300K2023
Juvenile Protective Association
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Chicago, IL$300K2022
Bottom Line
Community Development
Jamaica Plain, MA$300K2022
Kipp Chicago Schools
Community Development
Chicago, IL$280K2022
Chicago Scholars
Community Development
Chicago, IL$275K2020
One Million Degrees
Community Development
Chicago, IL$262K2022

A Better Chicago giving by year

Total grants Bespoke Grants has indexed for each filing year:

2020$5.9M
2022$4.9M
2023$3.8M
2024$3.5M

How to apply for funding from A Better Chicago

A Better Chicago's public IRS filing does not spell out a formal application process. Foundations of this size often give primarily to organizations they already know, so a concise letter of inquiry or a warm introduction is usually the best first contact — not a full proposal. You can review the foundation directly at abetterchicago.org.

Is A Better Chicago the right funder for your nonprofit?

This page shows what A Better Chicago has funded. Bespoke Grants tells you whether it fits your mission — and finds every other foundation that does. Free, no credit card.

Match my nonprofit to funders →

Frequently asked questions about A Better Chicago

Does A Better Chicago accept grant applications?
A Better Chicago's public filing does not specify an application process. A brief letter of inquiry or a warm introduction is usually the best first step with a private foundation of this size.
What does A Better Chicago fund?
A Better Chicago's grants focus on community improvement. Recent recipients include Kipp Chicago Schools, Roosevelt University, Noble Network of Charter Schools. Its full grant history is listed above.
How much does A Better Chicago give in grants?
A Better Chicago reported $6.0M in grants in its most recent IRS filing (FY2020). Across all years in our data it has awarded $18.2M over 133 grants.
Where is A Better Chicago located?
A Better Chicago is based in Chicago, Illinois. Its IRS employer identification number (EIN) is 274499625.
How can I find foundations similar to A Better Chicago?
Bespoke Grants matches your nonprofit against 225,000+ foundations like A Better Chicago, ranking each by how well it fits your mission, location, and budget — with the reasoning shown. It is free to search.

Find more funders like A Better Chicago

Foundations similar to A Better Chicago

Other Illinois grantmakers with overlapping priorities:

About this profile. This page is built from A Better Chicago's public IRS Form 990-PF and 990 filings, indexed by Bespoke Grants alongside 13M+ grants from 225,000+ U.S. foundations. Grant figures reflect filings available to date; IRS data publishes on a 1–2 year lag. Bespoke Grants is not affiliated with A Better Chicago. Always confirm current giving priorities and application procedures with the foundation directly before applying.