Steans Family Foundation
Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $46.3 million (2024)
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: Not publicly available
- Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
- Geographic Focus: Chicago, specifically North Lawndale neighborhood
Contact Details
- Address: 50 E Washington St, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60602
- Website: steansfamilyfoundation.org
- Phone: Not publicly listed
- Email: Not publicly listed
Overview
The Steans Family Foundation is a private family foundation based in Chicago, Illinois, established as a tax-exempt organization in 1987. With total assets of approximately $294 million as of 2024, the foundation distributes over $46 million annually in charitable grants. The foundation's primary focus is on revitalizing Chicago's North Lawndale neighborhood on the city's West Side. Led by the Steans family, including President Heather Steans and Executive Director Pat Ford, the foundation appears to operate as a significant but relatively private philanthropic entity in the Chicago area.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
Information about specific grant programs is not publicly available. The foundation's primary documented focus is on neighborhood revitalization efforts in North Lawndale, Chicago.
Priority Areas
- North Lawndale neighborhood development
- Community revitalization in Chicago's West Side
What They Don't Fund
Not publicly specified
Governance and Leadership
Key Leadership:
- Heather Steans - President (Unpaid)
- Robin Steans - Vice President/Secretary (Unpaid)
- Jennifer Steans - Treasurer (Unpaid)
- Pat Ford - Executive Director ($270,000 compensation)
The foundation is governed by members of the Steans family who serve in unpaid board positions, with professional staff managing day-to-day operations.
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
This funder does not have a public application process. Based on available information, the foundation appears to operate through trustee discretion and pre-existing relationships with organizations working in their focus areas.
Decision Timeline
Not publicly available
Success Rates
Not publicly available
Reapplication Policy
Not publicly specified
Application Success Factors
Due to the private nature of this foundation and lack of public application process, success factors are not documented. Organizations interested in support would likely need to:
- Be actively working in the North Lawndale community
- Align with neighborhood revitalization goals
- Establish relationships with foundation leadership or trustees
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- The Steans Family Foundation is a major private funder with over $46 million in annual giving
- Primary geographic focus is the North Lawndale neighborhood in Chicago
- No public application process exists - grants appear to be made through trustee discretion
- The foundation maintains a relatively low public profile despite significant assets
- Organizations seeking support would need to work in their specific geographic focus area
- Building relationships with foundation leadership would be essential given the lack of public application process
References
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Steans Family Foundation profile (accessed December 2024)
- GuideStar Profile for Steans Family Foundation, EIN 36-3486843 (accessed December 2024)
- InfluenceWatch.org - Steans Family Foundation profile (accessed December 2024)
- Foundation website: steansfamilyfoundation.org (limited public information available)