[Chicago Community Trust](https://www.cct.org)

March 12, 2026 (Application deadline)

Up to $10,000 per award; average sponsorship is $5,000; one award per organization per 12 months.

Supports nonprofit-led events in the Chicago region that foster community, fundraising, and organizational impact.

--- ## Description This sponsorship opportunity from the Chicago Community Trust is designed to support programming events—such as meetings, panels, forums, conferences, and select fundraising events—produced by nonprofit organizations or those with a nonprofit fiscal sponsor in the Chicago region. The intent is to help organizations raise funds, implement programs, and build community impact. Funding is allocated from the Trust’s discretionary grantmaking budget, with applications reviewed twice yearly to align with major event seasons. Preference is given to organizations that align with the Trust’s mission and are not currently funded by the Trust. --- ## Due Dates - March 12, 2026: Application deadline for the Sponsorships funding opportunity --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum request: $10,000 per organization - Average sponsorship award: $5,000 - Limit: One sponsorship per organization in any 12-month period - Disbursements for this cycle are expected in May 2026 --- ## Eligibility - 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, or organizations with a nonprofit fiscal sponsor - Organization must be located in the Chicago region or producing an event in the Chicago region - Only one sponsorship per organization every 12 months - Preference for organizations aligned with the Trust’s mission and not currently funded by the Trust ### Ineligible Uses - Sports teams - Political campaigns - Religious activities - Events already sponsored by an existing Trust grant (including active multi-year grants) --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted through [GrantCentral](https://trust360.my.site.com/grantcentral/s/) - Submit requests during the open application window (February 19 – March 12, 2026) - Submit your request 2–3 months before your event (not earlier than 4 months before the event date) - Required materials and detailed steps are available on the [How to Apply](https://www.cct.org/grants/how-to-apply/) page --- ## Additional Information - Sponsorships are reviewed twice yearly, aligning with major event seasons (summer and fall) - All funding is subject to resource availability - Priority is given to organizations not currently receiving Trust funding - For more on the Trust’s mission and strategic direction, see their [strategic plan](https://www.cct.org/about/strategic-plan/) --- ## External Links - [Sponsorships Grant Program Page](https://www.cct.org/grants/opportunities/sponsorships/) - [How to Apply](https://www.cct.org/grants/how-to-apply/) - [What We Fund](https://www.cct.org/grants/what-we-fund/) - [Chicago Community Trust Homepage](https://www.cct.org) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |--------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------| | General/Program Questions | Marcus Samuel – [msamuel@cct.org](mailto:msamuel@cct.org) | | GrantCentral (technical questions) | [grants@cct.org](mailto:grants@cct.org) | | General inquiries | [info@cct.org](mailto:info@cct.org) / [312-616-8000](tel:3126168000) | | Contact Form | [Contact Us](https://www.cct.org/contact-us/) |

Sponsorships

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