The Patrick and Anna M. Cudahy Fund has enjoyed active involvement in local, state, national, and global communities, seeking new ways to effectively enhance common welfare. The Fund conducts most of its grantmaking throughout the state of Wisconsin and in the Chicago metropolitan area. However, a portion of the fund's annual grantmaking budget is allocated to discretionary grants in geographic areas across the United States and abroad reflecting the interests of the Directors.

Community Grants: The Patrick and Anna M. Cudahy Fund makes grants to nonprofit organizations that benefit economically challenged or marginalized communities. We provide both general operating support and program support. Our geographic focus is in Metropolitan Chicago and throughout the state of Wisconsin. Our Board of Directors consists of family and non-family members. Board meetings happen in the spring and fall, usually in late May and late November.

Discretionary Grants: Directors who are family members are also able to recommend Discretionary Grants to 501(c)3 tax-exempt nonprofit organizations that may not fit within our General Community Grants funding guidelines or are located outside of our geographic focus area including organizations that operate abroad. Organizations interested in submitting a proposal may not request funding through Discretionary Grants as these grants are selected by Directors only. All discretionary grants, however, must be approved by the Board of Directors.

Funding Categories: 

Social Services

Services that provide safety nets and support for under-resourced, low-income or otherwise marginalized communities. This includes programs that assist the homeless or those at risk of homelessness with immediate needs and/or future success; programs that provide help for marginalized communities, such as veterans or people exiting the prison system; shelter/housing; food/anti-hunger programs; and employment programs.

Health & Human Services

Support for programs that provide subsidized, low-cost, or free healthcare for the uninsured and under-insured of all ages; access to mental health; access to low or free-cost dental services; healthcare outreach programs; assistance for disabled individuals or other populations with specific challenges; and services for the elderly.

Environment

Our interests are primarily focused on conservation efforts to protect wildlife, the preservation of natural areas, and public interest environmental law.

Education

Funding for exceptional early childhood, school-age, high school, and college programs; after-school programs; adult continuing education; and educational opportunities for adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Our funding often goes toward scholarship programs so that low-income communities have access to the same high-quality programs as their peers.

Arts & Culture

Most grants are designated for arts/culture access for underprivileged populations, such as subsidized entry to museums or other cultural sites or events.

The Fund does not accept unsolicited proposals.  If your organization is interested in being considered for funding, please read about our Letter of Inquiry Process.

LOI's are accepted year-round on a rolling basis; however, to guarantee that an LOI is received with enough time to be reviewed at the next meeting on the calendar, send it at least 3 months before the proposal due date for that meeting.