Do you fund programs related to crime and criminal justice?
We seek to address gun violence as a public health issue, looking for strategies that can reduce the toll of deaths and injuries from firearms. We don’t generally fund projects specifically focusing on crime. However, we do support efforts to engage law enforcement leaders in gun violence prevention and gun policy reform.

Given your focus on the Great Lakes region, do you make grants to national organizations?
Grants to national organizations must be for projects that promise to have a significant impact on the Great Lakes region.

Do you fund research?
We fund research that is likely to have a strong impact on public policy.

Do you fund government agencies and programs?
We generally make grants only to nonprofit organizations.

Do you fund state or local gun violence prevention initiatives outside the Midwest?
No.

Do you fund grassroots organizations in the Midwest?
We fund such groups only for projects we consider likely to have a substantial impact on public policy. Requests from Illinois and Wisconsin are given priority.

Please tell me more about your focus on public policy. We focus our grantmaking on initiatives that promise to have an influence on public policies. That includes advancing the public debate about important policy issues, most notably the need for federal consumer product health and safety standards for the firearm industry. We believe such policy initiatives can lead to broad, systemic changes that affect the most people over the long run.

Do you provide general operating support, or must we apply for specific project funds?
We generally fund projects, but we also occasionally provide general operating support.

Do you make grants to individuals? I saw you listed in a “free money” guide. Can I get help paying my bills?
The Foundation does not make grants to help individuals start a small business, pay school or college tuition, cover medical bills, pay off debts, help buy or build a home, or any similar purpose.

How do I apply for funding?
For information on applying for a grant and the proposal review process, see the How to Apply section.