While a few urban shopping cart races existed before CHIditarod began in 2006, it was Chicago that pioneered the philanthropic aspects of such an event. First, we created a food drive (raising more than 266,919 pounds to date), then added fundraising, created our own 501(c)(3), and finally began an annual grant program to fund local non-profits fighting to end hunger. Our program has one cycle a year, opening in early summer and closing in late fall.
2024 Grant Program Now Open for Applications
Grant Timeline:
- Friday, June 14, 2024 – Letters of Intent due. First round evaluation of responses begins.
- Friday, July 19, 2024 – Finalists invited to full application.
- Friday, August 30, 2024 – Final Grant proposals due
- Mid-October 2024 – Awardees notified and grants disbursed.
Eligibility Requirements
- Operates programs focusing on:
- Innovative educational opportunities
- Building partnerships with other organizations and policy-relevant leaders engaged in local issues
- Health nutrition or creative work on some aspect of food
- Innovation to address challenges to food access and availability
- Is recognized by the IRS as 501(c)(3) organization, or has a written agreement of fiscal sponsorship from a 501(c)(3) organization
- Operates in Northern Illinois
- Is in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State
- Is registered with the Illinois Attorney General
We are particularly interested in organizations whose mission is related to alleviating hunger, addressing food insecurity, and/or improving the lives of the public through education, food or hunger relief in Northern Illinois. Smaller, community-led organizations are especially encouraged to apply.
Grantee Expectations
The CHIditarod Foundation grant recipients must agree to provide a narrative report on or before May 1, 2025 — approximately 7 months after the awards are granted, and provide joint press release and promotion regarding your organization’s receipt of funding from the CHIditarod Foundation.
What Have We Granted?
- $98,500 in 2023 to 18 local nonprofits
- $86,000 in 2022 to 22 local nonprofits
- $106,250 in 2021 to 21 local nonprofits
- $96,600 in 2020 to 19 local nonprofits
- $55,000 in 2019 to 9 local nonprofits
- $31,000 in 2018 to 8 local nonprofits.
- $26,500 in 2017 to 9 local nonprofits.
- $25,000 in 2016 to 8 local nonprofits.
- $25,000 in 2015 to 5 local nonprofits.
- $25,000 in 2014 to 7 local nonprofits.
- $20,000 in 2013 to 4 local nonprofits.
Questions?
Address all inquiries to foundation@chiditarod.org.
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Learn more about the CHIditarod Foundation’s history and mission.