The Polk Bros. Foundation aims to enhance the quality of life for Chicago's residents by partnering with local nonprofits to mitigate poverty's effects. It focuses on providing access to quality education, preventive healthcare, and basic human services, endeavoring to enable all Chicagoans to realize their full potential.
The Polk Bros. Foundation Grants program supports organizations that address the root causes and effects of poverty in Chicago's underserved communities. The foundation funds both new and ongoing projects across six categories: strong communities, strong families, education, health, arts access and learning, and enhanced capacity. It emphasizes initiatives that promote access to services, systemic change, and life quality improvements for residents. Special attention is given to efforts in workforce development, housing, community growth, legal services, safety, school improvement, academic success, healthcare access, and arts education. Additionally, the foundation encourages strategic collaborations to amplify impact and offers a small grants program for organizations with limited financial histories.