Richard L. Duchossois Memorial Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $10,184,598 (2023)
Target Annual Giving: $35,000,000 (planned)
Success Rate: Not publicly available
Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
Grant Range: Not publicly specified
Geographic Focus: Chicago metropolitan area (may consider national efforts aligned with mission)
Application Method: Invitation only

Contact Details

Website: https://www.rldfoundation.org/
Email: communications@rldfoundation.org (for grantees)
General Inquiries: Contact form available at https://www.rldfoundation.org/contact-us/
Location: Barrington, IL

Overview

The Richard L. Duchossois Memorial Foundation was established in 2022 following the death of Richard L. Duchossois, a decorated WWII veteran, businessman, and philanthropist who passed away at age 100. The foundation formally launched operations in early 2024 with the appointment of founding Executive Director Paul Sznewajs. With total assets of $127,855,319 (2023) and plans to scale up to approximately $35 million in annual grantmaking, the foundation will position itself among Chicago's largest private philanthropic foundations. The foundation is committed to solving "seemingly intractable social problems with imagination and passion" through data-driven and collaborative approaches. The foundation focuses on three priority areas that were important to Richard Duchossois: Veterans, Strong Families, and Entrepreneurs. CEO Paul Sznewajs brings nearly two decades of philanthropic leadership, including founding Ingenuity (a Chicago nonprofit consortium) and serving as CEO of Parliament Collective Intelligence, a data and strategy consultancy.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through three program areas, each with dedicated program directors:

Veterans Program (Director: Deanna Love)

Focus on addressing reintegration barriers for US military veterans
Support for secure employment, stable housing, high-quality healthcare, and comprehensive support systems

Strong Families Program (Director: Molly Baltman-Leonard)

Focus on building economic mobility and family stability for low-income households
Support for housing assistance, education and workforce training, healthcare access, and economic opportunity tools

Entrepreneurs Program (Director: Niharika Hanglem)

Focus on creating equitable entrepreneurial opportunity in the Chicago region
Support for access to technical, relational, and financial capital

Application Method: Invitation only. The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Priority Areas

Veterans:

Secure employment opportunities for transitioning veterans
Stable housing access
High-quality healthcare services
Comprehensive support during and beyond reintegration

Strong Families:

Economic stability through childcare solutions
Employment and workforce development
Housing assistance programs
Multi-generational pathways to economic opportunity

Entrepreneurs:

Equitable access to technical capital and expertise
Relational capital and networking support
Financial capital and funding access
Support for diverse entrepreneurs in historically disinvested neighborhoods
HardTech innovation and commercialization

What They Don't Fund

This information is not publicly disclosed. However, the foundation's tight focus on Veterans, Strong Families, and Entrepreneurs in the Chicago metropolitan area suggests that projects outside these areas or geographic scope would not be prioritized.

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

Scott Mordell - Board Chair (The Forrader Group)
Bob Fealy - Treasurer (Limerick Investments)
Judi Duchossois - Board Member (Civic Leader, spouse of late Richard L. Duchossois)
Tyler Lenczuk - Board Member (Civic Leader)

Executive Leadership Team

Paul Sznewajs - Executive Director
Katie Rutkowski - Director, Executive Operations
Rich Carder - Director, Data Strategies and Insights
Deanna Love - Program Director, Veterans
Molly Baltman-Leonard - Program Director, Strong Families
Niharika Hanglem - Program Director, Entrepreneurs
Kirsten Schmitz Phelps - Grants Manager

Leadership Perspectives

Scott Mordell (Board Chair) on Paul Sznewajs' appointment: "His innovative background and strategic mindset will enable us to build from our start-up phase to expanding impact."

Judi Duchossois (Board Member): "Dick would be delighted to know that we found an outstanding leader to carry forth the mission."

Paul Sznewajs (Executive Director) on the foundation's approach: "I am excited for the opportunity to bring Mr. Duchossois' vision and values to life through meaningful partnerships and investments. We intend to collaborate with others in Chicago's impressive civic and philanthropic sectors to tackle some of the most significant issues facing our communities today."

On philanthropic strategy: "There just isn't enough philanthropy to close those emerging gaps, but our aspiration is to be data driven in philanthropy, be in coordination with our peer funders, and really be responsive to the needs of the communities around those emerging needs."

Richard L. Duchossois (namesake, defining mantra): "Quit? Hell No!" This captures his approach to seemingly insurmountable challenges and remains the foundation's guiding spirit.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. Proposals are accepted by invitation only. The foundation identifies potential grantees through its own research, board connections, and collaborative relationships within Chicago's civic and philanthropic sectors.

The foundation prioritizes organizations with "demonstrated success records or research-backed solutions" that align with its three program areas and demonstrate innovative approaches to systemic challenges.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. The foundation formally launched its grantmaking operations in 2024, awarding its first round of grants totaling $3 million.

Success Rates

Not publicly available, as the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly disclosed.

Application Success Factors

Since this is an invitation-only funder, traditional application success factors don't apply. However, the foundation has clearly articulated what it values in grantee partners:

Alignment with Core Values: The foundation embodies Richard Duchossois's principles: honor, innovation, collaboration, passion, and imagination. Organizations that demonstrate these values in their work are more likely to align with the foundation's mission.

Data-Driven Approaches: Paul Sznewajs emphasizes that the foundation is "data driven in philanthropy" and seeks organizations that can demonstrate measurable impact. His background in data strategy through Parliament Collective Intelligence suggests that grantees should be prepared to articulate clear metrics and outcomes.

Innovative and Integrated Solutions: The foundation prioritizes organizations demonstrating "innovative and integrated solutions" that create "tangible, lasting change." Looking at inaugural grantees, this includes:

Multi-generational approaches (two-generation solutions)
Systems-level change rather than single interventions
Collaborative partnerships across sectors
Research-backed methodologies

Chicago Metropolitan Focus: The foundation "primarily funds efforts and organizations in the Chicago metropolitan area," though it may consider national efforts that strongly align with its mission, values, and goals.

Evidence of Track Record: The foundation supports "non-profits with demonstrated success records or research-backed solutions," indicating preference for established organizations with proven approaches over untested initiatives.

Examples of Funded Organizations:

Carole Robertson Center for Learning - Serves children prenatal to age 17 across 27 Chicago communities
mHub - Supports HardTech innovation through prototyping and commercialization
Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity - Veterans Build Initiative addressing affordable housing
Vetsintech - Connects veterans to technology education and employment
LIFT Chicago - Two-generation solutions focusing on financial strength
Chicago:Blend - Builds inclusive venture capital ecosystem

Foundation Philosophy: The foundation states it "solves problems through humility, partnership, and a belief that we do not hold all the answers," suggesting they value organizations open to collaboration and learning.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Invitation-only model: This foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Building relationships and visibility within Chicago's philanthropic community is essential.
Data-driven focus: Be prepared to demonstrate measurable outcomes and evidence-based approaches. The foundation's leadership has deep expertise in data strategy and evaluation.
Scale matters: With plans to reach $35 million in annual grantmaking, this will become one of Chicago's largest private foundations - significant opportunities for substantial funding.
Chicago metro priority: Geographic focus is clearly defined. National organizations should demonstrate strong Chicago presence and impact.
Systems-change orientation: The foundation seeks to address "seemingly intractable social problems" with innovative approaches, not band-aid solutions.
Three-pillar alignment: Organizations must clearly align with Veterans, Strong Families, OR Entrepreneurs - ideally demonstrating how they address systemic barriers in these areas.
Collaborative approach: The foundation values partnership with peer funders and community stakeholders. Organizations that work collaboratively across sectors may be favored.

References

Information accessed December 2025