Topfer Family Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Topfer Family Foundation works in Austin and Chicago to support child abuse prevention and treatment, youth enrichment, job training, children’s health and aging in place.
IP TAKE: Working broadly in health and human services, this funder is accessible and accepts grant applications via its website at any time.
OVERVIEW: Established in 2000, the Topfer Family Foundation was established by tech executive Mort Topfer and his wife, Angela. Mort held several key leadership positions with Motorola. In 1994 he was recruited by Dell to serve as the company’s vice chairman. The Topfer Family Foundation “is committed to helping people connect to the tools and resources needed to build self-sufficient and fulfilling lives.” Its funding initiatives are child abuse prevention and treatment, children’s health, youth enrichment, job training and support services and aging in place.
Topfer’s Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment program supports programs that promote positive parenting, strengthen families and provide early intervention. Its Children’s Health initiative prioritizes children from low-income families and who suffer from chronic illnesses. The program funds organizations provide emotional support, medical treatment and intervention services. Youth enrichment grants targets at-risk youth and funds programs that support the development of knowledge and skills for self-sufficiency in adulthood. Similarly, the foundation’s Job Training and Support Services program supports a broad variety of programs that help people secure meaningful and well-paying employment. A final initiative, Aging in Place, supports both affordable housing and support services for the elderly.
Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000, and in a recent year, the foundation gave away about $2.8 million. Funding is limited to the Austin and Chicago areas and supports a variety of large and small organizations. Past Chicago area grantees include I Grow Chicago, Communities in Schools, Du Page Senior Citizens Council and the Juvenile Protective Association. Additional information about past grants is available at Topfer’s grants history page.
Application guidelines are posted on the foundation website, and applications are accepted at any time. General questions may be directed to the foundation staff via email.
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