Grant guidelines & FAQ
About the Fund
The mission of the Standard Club Community Fund is to carry forward the Jewish heritage of the Standard Club's membership by making meaningful contributions to organizations that promote the welfare of the Jewish community and to any organizations that advance the interests of the people of Chicago. In making such contributions, the Fund will consider the degree to which organizations under consideration serve these objectives and also the extent to which they are in need of financial support. In addition, the Fund may underwrite programs that are designed to preserve the Jewish heritage and the history of the Standard Club.
Adopted unanimously by the committee, May 15, 2026.
What we fund
Two pillars are open to nominations and applications. We also occasionally support projects that preserve Jewish heritage and the history of The Standard Club; those are initiated by the committee, not applied for.
- Jewish Life — organizations that strengthen Jewish community, connection, identity, and continuity.
- The People of Chicago — organizations meeting real need and improving life across the city.
Who can apply
A 501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored organization, using funds for charitable purposes consistent with our mission.
- Jewish Life: serving the Jewish community — in Chicago, across the U.S., or in Israel. No geographic limit.
- The People of Chicago: serving the Chicagoland area.
Grant size
Grants run $5,000 to $15,000. You name one amount in that range, in $500 steps, and most grants land around $10,000. For event sponsorships and first-time explorations the committee may consider more flexible amounts — reach out to discuss.
When to apply
Two cycles a year from 2027, spring and fall. Fall 2026 is the inaugural cycle, and its dates are below.
Fall 2026
- Nominations open
- Applications close
- Committee scoring due
- Awards announced
Two cycles a year, from 2027
Spring cycle
- Nominations reviewed + cycle opens
- January 15
- Applications close
- February 28
- Application review and finalist calls
- March
- Committee scoring & deliberation
- Early April
- Awards announced
- Mid-April
- Impact celebrated
- June Annual Meeting
Fall cycle
- Nominations reviewed + cycle opens
- August 15
- Applications close
- September 30
- Application review and finalist calls
- October
- Committee scoring & deliberation
- Early November
- Awards announced
- Mid-November
- Impact celebrated
- December Holiday Party
Spring decisions are timed so grantee impact can be celebrated at the June Annual Meeting.
How to apply
A short form, not a grant-writing marathon. Six core questions, one or two more for your pillar, and your annual operating budget. Drafting help is built into the form and entirely optional: paste in what you already have and it will suggest a first draft you can edit. No AI decides anything — our committee makes every decision.
What happens next
We read every application. Strong contenders have a brief, friendly call with a committee member, who stays with you as your advocate. The committee meets to decide, and you hear from us by the dates above.
What we look for
- A clear fit with our mission.
- The difference our support would actually make for your organization and the people you serve.
- A credible plan and team.
- Jewish Life: how you strengthen Jewish life and connection. The People of Chicago: genuine need and real impact.
- Ways Standard Club members could be part of your work — board service, volunteering, expertise, or introductions.
What we don’t fund
Events and community programming are welcome. These are not:
- Individuals.
- Political campaigns or lobbying.
- For-profit ventures.
- Debt or deficit retirement.
- Endowment-building.
Questions
- Can individuals apply?
- No — 501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored organizations only.
- Do we need a Standard Club connection?
- No. Anyone may apply. A connection helps us get to know you, but it is never required.
- Is an AI deciding our grant?
- No. Drafting help only assists your writing. Our committee makes every decision.
- How much should we ask for?
- Ask for what you believe will represent a genuine impact on an aspect of your organization’s mission, anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000.
- Can we reapply if declined?
- Yes, in a future cycle.
- What if our budget is informal?
- An annual budget is required to apply, but a simple income-and-expense summary is fine.