The Coleman Foundation Incorporated
The Coleman Foundation, Inc. is a private grantmaking foundation based in Chicago that supports community-based organizations in entrepreneurship, health, and intellectual & developmental disabilities. The official site provides grantmaking overviews, open calls, FAQs, staff bios, and contact details.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A US 501(c)(3) community-based nonprofit serving the Chicago metropolitan area with programs in entrepreneurship, health, or intellectual and developmental disabilities seeking operating or program support.
Good Fit
- • Primary program work is located in the Chicago metro area or serves Chicago residents.
- • Mission aligns to entrepreneurship, health, or intellectual & developmental disabilities.
- • Organization is IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) (not a private foundation).
- • Can submit a concise letter of inquiry with clear objectives, evaluation plan, and budget range.
- • Project or operating request fits typical award sizes ($25K–$250K range observed).
Geography
Giving is heavily concentrated in Illinois: about 92% of dollars stayed in-state and the foundation identifies the Chicago metro as its primary geographic focus, even though a small number of out-of-state grants appear.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows a broad recipient base (185 grants to 156 distinct organizations) with many independent grantees and modest concentration (largest grantee ≈3%, top five ≈12%), indicating wide variety within the local footprint.
New Applicants
The foundation posts LOI guidance and accepted letters year-round, and the latest year included roughly 79 new recipients (about half of grantees), so unfamiliar applicants have demonstrable paths into the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
