Apply for a Grant
Please contact us if you would like to be included on a mailing list to stay informed of our application deadlines and updates.
Before applying, please consult our Potential Grant Awards and Grant Guidelines pages for important information regarding eligibility and restrictions.
You may contact JWF Senior Program Officer Genna Kahn at [email protected] or 312-444-2867 to discuss your proposed request before applying.
2026 Deadlines – Annual Grants, Innovation Grants and Multiyear Grants
- Letter of Intent (LOI) Opens: 12:00PM CT on Wednesday, April 1, 2026
- Letter of Intent (LOI) Submission Date: 12:00PM CT on Tuesday, May 5, 2026
- Status Notification: by July 2026
- Proposal Submission Date (by invitation only): 12:00PM CT on Wednesday, August 5, 2026
- Final Notification: by December 31, 2026
Application Process
JWF Chicago has an online application process through SurveyMonkey Apply.
JWF will hold virtual “Office Hours” on Wednesday, April 15 from 9:30 – 10:30AM CT for international applicants and on Thursday, April 16 from 12PM – 1PM CT for domestic applicants.
After a short presentation regarding JWF Chicago’s application process, applicants are welcome to ask questions regarding JWF’s grant guidelines, focus areas, eligibility, and application process.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
9:30AM- 10:30AM CT
FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 869 5983 6664
Thursday, April 16, 2026
12:00PM- 1:00PM CT
FOR DOMESTIC APPLICANTS
Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 820 5954 3601