Julian Grace Foundation

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OVERVIEW: The Julian Grace Foundation is an “entrepreneurial private foundation that does high-engagement grant making in order to create a just, unified and hopeful world.”

IP TAKE: The foundation’s grantmaking is not restricted to Chicago, but the region is important to this funder. Up-and-coming nonprofits looking for general operating grants could find an ally with Julian Grace. The foundation conducts grantmaking through a racial equity lens, which is crucial to keep in mind when applying. Personally and via their foundation, the Sarowitzes plan to give away at least $1 billion in their lifetimes. The couple’s children are also involved in the foundation, which is cultivating a youth board.

Jessica Sarowitz says that she has a strong interest in social impact investing. Steven Sarowitz, meanwhile, raised Jewish, became a follower of Baha'i. "One of the teachings of the Baha'i faith is that wealth has to be used for the good of the world," he’s said.

While this is a transparent funder, listing financials and grantees, it is not accessible, since it prefers a proactive approach to grantmaking. Grant seekers will need to network here to get on this funder’s radar likely by contacting them first and starting a discussion about your work.

PROFILE:  The Julian Grace Foundation was founded in 2015 by billionaire, Chicago couple Steven and Jessica Sarowitz. Steven Sarowitz graduated with an economics degree from University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign. He worked at several payroll firm before launching his own Paylocity in 1997. Sarowitz took the company public in 2014. Meanwhile, Jessica P. Sarowitz graduated with an economics degree from DePaul University in 1991. She is managing partner of Sarowitz Family LLC. The Julian Grace Foundation is an entrepreneurial private foundation that conducts high-engagement grant making in order to create a just, unified and hopeful world.

Bearing the names of the couple’s twin children, the Julian Grace Foundation typically makes grants for educational opportunity, immigration and human rights, environmental protection, preservation of cultural heritage and health.

Past grantees have included Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, World Chicago, Honduran Children’s Rescue Fund, Partnership for College Completion, and Mano a Mano Family Resource Center.

The couple made a $1.25 million gift to create the YWCA Julian Grace Innovation & Technology Institute in the Chicago area. They also contributed $10 million to help create the Chicago Center for Arts and Technology. Jessica also supports her alma mater, DePaul University, including support for the school’s athletics programs.

Important Grant Details:

Grants range from $250 to $270,000. In a recent tax year, the foundation gave away around $3.5 million.

  • The foundation tends to work with smaller upstarts as opposed to larger, established organizations and offers general operating grants and unrestricted funds for organizational operating expenses.

  • Julian Grace Foundation does not limit funding to any geographic location; however, it does not currently fund unsolicited organizations.

Organizations invited to apply are chosen through recommendations made by the the foundation’s board and staff. From there, organizations normally only apply once a year (Spring or Fall).

PEOPLE:

Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).

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