Skender Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Skender Foundation is the philanthropic extension of the Skender company in Chicago and gives locally for education and wellness.

IP TAKE: Since launching its endowment fund grant program in 2018, Skender grantmaking has been on the rise and become more collaborative with other local groups.

PROFILE: Founded in 2012, the Skender Foundation is a public foundation that supports Chicagoland and the San Francisco Bay Area. This is the philanthropic extension of the Skender company, which is headquartered in Chicago and specializes in construction, manufacturing and design. The foundation aims to provide “access to resources and relationships that help people make good life decisions through greater education and wellness.” Grantmaking areas of interest are poverty alleviation, education and wellness.

The Foundation broadly funds education and wellness investing in dozens of organizations that share in its desire to help people make good decisions for their own lives. It has also partnered with other local foundations to support poverty alleviation efforts. In 2018, the foundation launched an endowment fund grant program to make multi-year commitments to nonprofits. Past grantees include the Chicago Artists Coalition, City of Hope, the Erie Family Health Center and VOCEL, an organization that supports low-income families with early childhood education and parent support.

Skender Foundation grants typically range from $5,000 to $20,000. The Skender Foundation has a subcommittee called the Builder’s Board that is comprised of young professionals who oversee fundraising and grantmaking. Each year this board hosts a Summer Eclipse Gala to raise awareness and funds for education and wellness and a Harvesting Hope event which aims to engage young professionals in philanthropy.

The Skender Foundaton makes grants on an invitation-only basis. Grantseekers can contact the foundation by calling the staff at 312-781-0265 or completing the foundation’s online contact form.

PEOPLE:

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