Brinson Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Brinson Foundation prioritizes giving to organizations that are based in or whose work emphasizes Chicago. Higher education grantmaking supports education programs and general funding, as well as science research programs; this grantmaking is national in scope. Its science research program funds narrow initiatives in astronomy, cosmology, biology, geophysics and medicine.
IP TAKE: The Brinson Foundation has a somewhat narrow range of giving priorities, and its policy of only awarding new grants when previous partnerships end means it might not be the most accessible funder. On the upside, this transparent funder likes to support its grantees on multiple fronts. Application begins with an inquiry form; the foundation will contact organizations that are eligible for funding.
PROFILE: The Brinson Foundation was established in 2001 by Gary Brinson, whom the Horatio Alger Association called one of “the world's most influential investment managers,” founder of a Chicago-based investment and money management firm Brinson Partners. The foundation’s mission is to “focus our family’s common interests in encouraging personal initiative, advancing individual freedoms & liberties and positively contributing to society in the areas of education and scientific research.” Brinson has not signed the Giving Pledge, but in a Founder’s Statement, he has said he is limiting the amount he leaves to his heirs because he believes excessive inheritance will hurt their initiative and self-esteem. Brinson’s two main program areas are Education and Scientific Research.
Grants for K-12 Education and STEM Education
Brinson’s Education program is primarily interested in “programs that make quality education accessible to those who are personally committed.” These programs primarily serve the Chicagoland area. The grants currently fall into five focus areas: literacy, high school and college success, liberty and free enterprise, STEM education, and student health programs. It awards direct donations to public and private school systems, as well as supporting education-related nonprofits. Grantees include the Chicago Public Education Fund, Ounce of Prevention Fund, Communities in Schools of Chicago, Chicago Public Library Foundation, Illinois Network of Charter Schools, and Room to Read.
Grants for Science Research
Brinson’s Scientific Research program is divided into two focus areas: physical science—which includes astrophysics, cosmology, evolutionary developmental biology, and geophysics—and medical research. Medical research grants “fund programs that seek to develop new, innovative clinical interventions for chronic conditions as well as highly treatable conditions which negatively impact the productivity of large segments of the population” and prioritize “areas that improve the quality of life as distinct from solely extending life.” Brinson does not accept letters of inquiry for medical research grants. Past grantees include the California Institute of Technology, the Carl Sagan Institute at Cornell University, and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.
Grants for Arts and Culture
In addition to its stated priority areas, the Brinson Foundation often makes grants to Chicago cultural institutions such as the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Joffrey Ballet.
Important Grant Details:
Grant amounts typically range from $25,000 to $100,000 and average around $50,000. A list of past grantees can be found here. This foundation maintains a “no new net grants” policy by which new grants are made “only as existing grants are transitioned from our portfolio and our financial resources permit.” While the foundation strongly prioritizes the Chicagoland area, it often supports organizations outside of Illinois.
While the foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals, there is an online inquiry form to determine if a group qualifies for consideration. Inquiries are accepted year-round, but check the calendar to see the schedule for awards. Brinson’s staff may be contacted at mail@brinsonfoundation.org or by phone at (312) 799-4500 with general inquiries.
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