The Pierce Family Foundation ceased operations on December 31, 2023. A full map of the foundation’s historical grantmaking can be found here, courtesy of Foundation Center.
The Foundation’s primary focus was on nonprofits working in housing and homelessness in Chicago, and helping those nonprofits to build the capacity they needed to operate effectively.
For much of the foundation’s history, a subset of organizations were chosen annually as Core Grantees. These “Cores” received a multi-year commitment of general operating support as well as a host of other capacity building benefits: IT assessments and grants to support tech infrastructure; event sponsorships; stipends for professional development; access to SmithAmundsen’s Frontline legal service; and extra grants for capacity building needs.
“I have consistently admired Pierce Foundation and its process of engaging with nonprofits, listening to concerns and issues, then actively working to enhance the abilities of the organizations you partner with.” -former grantee
