Christopher L. and M. Susan Gust Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Christopher L. and M. Susan Gust Foundation’s Chicago grantmaking largely supports inclusive education opportunities for students, as well as select human service and health causes.
IP TAKE: The foundation keeps a low public profile, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities.
PROFILE: Established in 2001, the Christopher L. and M. Susan Gust Foundation is steered by financier Christopher Gust and his wife, Susan, who are based in the Chicago area. This funder works in the areas of education, health, mental health and human services. The foundation has demonstrated a strong interest in special education in the Chicago area.
The foundation does not have a website to guide grantseekers, but per a recent IRS Form 990, Gust names inclusive education as its primary area of interest. The foundation has worked with St. Ignatius College Preparatory School and St. Benedict Preparatory School to provide learning opportunities for students with a variety of disabilities. The Gust Foundation also works with Chicago Public Schools to support special education students. One funded project was the establishment of an inclusion facilitator position at two public elementary schools. Gust also supported an educational conference that focused on fostering an inclusive environment. In addition to its investments in education, the Gust Foundation supports health and human services in Chicago. Past grantees in this area include the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago Autism Connection and the Heartland Alliance, an antipoverty organization.
Grants range from $1,000 to $400,000. Review the funder’s recent tax records to learn more about past grantees. Grantmaking does not appear to be restricted to the Chicago area, but this is where the foundation awards a majority of its grants. Gust largely provides general operating support, but also supports educational positions, scholarships and conferences. Its tax filings suggest that Gust only awards a handful of grants annually.
A recent Form 990 indicates that the foundation accepts written requests, which should include information about the purpose and use of funds. The form does not provide details about submission deadlines, restrictions, or limitations on awards. General inquiries may be directed to the foundation’s operations manager, Mary Kurczak at 312-391-6354.
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