Building Stronger Communities Through Civic Engagement and Leadership Development

A funding opportunity to support immigrants and refugees

Walder Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals at this time. This web page is provided for organizations that have been invited to apply for a grant.

In an effort to increase immigrant leadership and uplift immigrant voices at community and civic tables, Walder Foundation invites organizations that focus on the development of leaders in immigrant and refugee communities to apply for funding through Building Stronger Communities Through Civic Engagement and Leadership Development. This funding opportunity will create, expand and strengthen programs that provide immigrants and refugees with resources and tools to become civic leaders in the Chicago region.*

Walder Foundation supports organizations that recognize immigrants’ valuable contributions and assist immigrants and refugees who are looking to improve their lives and fulfill their dreams.

NEED/OPPORTUNITY

To increase the representation of immigrant and refugee leaders throughout the region, funding will support organizations that are working to develop immigrant and refugee leaders to increase their participation in civic life and decision-making at the community and municipal levels. Organizations focused on eliminating administrative barriers and improving policies to welcome immigrants into public life and civic participation are also invited to apply.

FUNDING CATEGORIES

Funding will focus on building a culture of participation and collaboration that leads to public life participation through:

Community Building

Programs that activate and increase community and civic engagement among immigrants and refugees at the community level through neighborhood initiatives.

Networks and Collaboratives

Initiatives that focus on network cultivation and building a common agenda among multiple partners to increase the active roles of immigrants and refugees in public life and civic engagement.

Inclusive Leadership

Established leadership programs that will create specific pathways to engage immigrants and refugees, or newly created programs that will focus on leadership development for immigrants and refugees.

Examples of work may include:

  • Programs that provide education and skill-building in leadership development (e.g., self-awareness, interpersonal skills, relationship building, and communication).

  • Training and education in citizenship and democracy that strengthen immigrants’ and refugees’ participation in public decision making and the electoral process.

  • Programs that provide individuals the opportunity to increase their involvement in local institutions and allow them to take an active role in their communities.

  • Initiatives that focus on social cohesion and strengthening relationships and awareness across racial and ethnic groups.

  • City-wide programs that seek to integrate immigrants into their leadership development models.

  • Existing or new programs that require support to expand, evaluate, and enhance their offerings.

Grant amounts will range from $20,000 to $250,000. Grants will be awarded based on several factors including feasibility, and the potential for impact. The amount of the grant will be determined in part by the size of the project and/or the organization’s budget. Funding will prioritize communities and neighborhoods in the Chicago metropolitan area with limited access to resources.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Organizations must have Section 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status classified as a public charity by the Internal Revenue Service, independently or via a fiscal sponsor.

Organizations that primarily serve immigrant and refugee communities in the Chicago metropolitan region.*

Organizations led by immigrants and people of color will be prioritized.

What we will not fund through this grants program:

  • Organizations that only provide youth development programming

  • 501(c)(4) activities

  • Projects that focus on research

*The Chicago Region is defined as the Illinois counties of Cook, DuPage, Lake, McHenry, Kane, Kendall, and Will, and Lake County in Indiana.

Walder Foundation is committed to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. We encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds and/or projects that improve outcomes for those from underrepresented backgrounds.

TIMELINE

Applications due: AUGUST 16, 5 p.m. CT

Grant notification: NOVEMBER 2021

Initial payment: DECEMBER 2021

HOW TO APPLY

A complete application requires submitting an online form and uploading documents. You will need to create an account in the Walder Foundation’s grants management system, foundationConnect. To create an account, you will need your organization’s EIN.

1. Create an account in foundationConnect and save an application

Click on the link below and choose Create New Account:

Building Stronger Communities Grant Application

You will receive a confirmation email from grants@walderfoundation.org. Choose the link in the email, sign in to your account and start and save a new application. To save an application, complete the first field, Project/Program Name, and then choose Save.

IMPORTANT: If you do not start your application immediately after receiving the confirmation email, you will need to return to this page and click the link above to be directed to the application form.

2. Continue to work on and complete your application

Once you have saved an application, use the link below to return and complete your application:

Walder Foundation Grantee Portal

You can log in any time (up until the deadline) to work on your application and save your progress.

We recommend creating your account early to familiarize yourself with the system and the application form.

View a sample of the application form

An automated email confirmation is generated upon submission of the application. If you do not receive a confirmation within 24 hours of submitting your application, please check your spam folder and then contact: grants@walderfoundation.org

CONTACT INFORMATION

For inquiries about the content of your application, send an email to immigration@walderfoundation.org.

For inquiries about the grants management system, send an email to grants@walderfoundation.org.