Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. All organizations must be designated a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization by the IRS and be in good standing.

No. Your organization or representative does not need to be a client of Northern Trust to apply for a grant. We do ask that you carefully review our guidelines as they best determine our ability to consider an organization’s eligibility.

No. We are aligning our resources to create more equitable opportunities for young people on Chicago’s South and West Sides to realize financial success and achieve their full potential. We are not able to consider requests for grant support that fall outside of this strategy.

If you are unsure as to whether your organization fits with our strategy, please feel free to submit a Letter of Inquiry.

No. Only online applications submitted by the staff of eligible organizations will be considered. If you are deemed eligible for a grant after completing the Letter of Inquiry, you will receive an email inviting you to submit an application online. Applications submitted outside of our online application process will not be accepted.

The Northern Trust Foundation will award grants from $10,000 up to $50,000.

No. The Northern Trust Foundation only considers one grant request per organization in any given calendar year.

Yes. Given the online format of our grant application, you may start on your application, save your work and resume work on it at a later time. Please review the specific deadlines for submission as late applications cannot be accepted.

Yes. The staff member whose contact information is listed on the application will receive a confirmation email upon receipt.

The Northern Trust Foundation strives to give contributions to organizations with. a proven track record of impact. The minimum three years of incorporation threshold is a way to advance that goal and is in alignment with best practices outlined by the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.

 

We invite you to submit your volunteer opportunity using our intake form.

Yes. Northern Trust will consider volunteer opportunities in support of charities that are located in proximity of Northern Trust offices.              

No. Volunteer activities do not need to be exclusive to the four focus areas of the Foundation.