May 2024 Awards
Letter of inquiry due­­ — November 15 – December 15, 5:00 p.m.
Proposal due (if invited) — February 1, 5:00 p.m.
Board meeting ­— May 2024
November 2024 Awards
Letter of inquiry due­­ — May 15 – June 15, 5:00 p.m.
Proposal due (if invited) — August 1, 5:00 p.m.
Board meeting ­— November 2024

How to apply
The Foundation uses an online grant application and management system for both letters of inquiry and full proposals. We do not accept hard copies of either letters of inquiry or proposals. You can download step-by-step instructions on how to register and use the online grant application and management system here.  Applicants may begin the application process at any time and complete the forms over multiple sessions.

Letter of inquiry
A letter of inquiry must be submitted prior to a full proposal.

The letter of inquiry for a not previously funded proposal should include a brief description of the program or project and the outcomes you hope to achieve, an explanation of the need for the program or project, and a budget including expenses and anticipated sources of support. This will allow us to give you preliminary feedback concerning your request and its potential fit within our funding priorities and requirements.

An abbreviated letter of inquiry is required for renewal requests.

Application
While the applications for each program area—e.g., clinical care—are distinct, all applications must address the following components.

  • Need
    You should substantiate the need for your program or project with current and relevant data and research.
  • Access
    Your program or project should directly lead to improved access to quality healthcare.
  • Sustainability
    You should explain how you plan to sustain your program or project.
  • Evaluation
    You must provide measurable outcomes that are directly related to the Foundation’s focus on improving access to quality healthcare for underserved and uninsured residents in northern Lake County, Illinois. 

You can download and print the full set of questions from the online grant application and management system after you are invited to submit a full proposal.

A technical assistance document is available for each funding strategy. Click the corresponding link below for each strategy.

Funding Strategy 1 – Clinical Care

Funding Strategy 2 – Linkage to Care

Funding Strategy 3 – ScholarshipsFunding Strategy

Funding Strategy 4 – Organizational Capacity Building

Funding Strategy 5 – System Capacity

Renewal Policy

A grantee organization may receive up to five consecutive years of funding at the Foundation’s discretion. After five consecutive years of funding, the organization will be asked to take a year off in seeking support. The Foundation realizes that there may be circumstances in which support for additional years may be appropriate. The Foundation may, at its discretion, grant exceptions in response to these circumstances.