Illinois Tool Works Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Illinois Tool Works Foundation supports a broad range of educational causes in Chicago and the state of Illinois. It also funds community causes in which its employees are philanthropically involved.
IP TAKE: STEM education and after-school programs for at-risk students are priorities for this funder. Other causes can receive support if ITW employees get involved.
PROFILE: Founded in 1954, the Illinois Tool Works Foundation is the philanthropic vehicle of Illinois Tool Works (ITW), a leading diversified manufacturer of industrial equipment based in Glenview, Illinois. ITW has a long history of getting its employees involved and volunteering in their communities. Historically, the foundation has given money for every service hour its employees complete at approved organizations of an employee's choice. ITW also offers one of the most generous matching programs in the country. The foundation supports education and community development, and almost all of its philanthropic work takes place in the state of Illinois.
ITW’s education funding focuses on increasing access to high quality educational and career development opportunities in low-income areas. It also prioritizes STEM education, and has provided ongoing support to Chicago’s ITW David Speer Academy, a public charter high school that specializes in STEM education. The foundation has also demonstrated a committment to out-of-school learning opportunities by supporting education programs at some of Illinois museums and nature centers and after-school programs like the Boys and Girls Clubs and After School Matters, which works with low-income and at risk youth.
Community funding at ITW is shaped by the broad philanthropic interests of the company’s employees. The company gives $3 for every $1 of employee donations and gives $10 for each hour of employee volunteer service. The foundation has also worked extensively with the United Way on employee matching programs that totaled $6.5 million in a recent year.
Foundation grants often range from $10,000 to $200,000, but most grants are on the lower end of this range. Past grantees include the Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry, the Chicago Symphony, Northwestern University, Kids First Chicago and the Newberry Library. Grantmaking is not limited to the city of Chicago and suburbs because the company has a national and internatiol presence, but most funding does stay in the region.
To see if an organization is eligible for an ITW grant, nonprofits will need to take its funding questionnaire. If approved, the staff will forward an application to complete. ITW typically makes nonprofits wait two years before applying for a second grant. To get in touch with ITW, call the suburban office at (847) 724-7500.
PEOPLE
Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).
LINKS:
