• purchasing, upgrading or training for technology;
• attending skills-building training for board, leaders and/or staff;
• organizing or attending conferences;
• paying a membership fee for a resource organization;
• hiring a consultant or facilitator for evaluation, planning, strategy, or a retreat.

• Meet Crossroads Fund’s Funding Criteria
• Priority is given to organizations that have been funded by Crossroads Fund in the last two years

Open to organizations, groups, and coalitions with annual expenses less than $500,000 (Download Budget Form)

1. Create an account or log in to Crossroads Fund’s Online Grant Portal.
2. Click APPLY in the upper menu.
3. Type “TECHNICAL” in the “Enter Access Code” box in the top right corner.
4. The application will now be available. Scroll down to the lower right corner and click “Apply” to start the application.

All applicants must use the Grant Portal. If you have any questions on the new system, or on the application process in general, please email Joanna Preston at joanna@crossroadsfund.org or call 773-227-7676.

The application review process generally takes 2 months for the Technical Assistance Fund (TA).
Each application is screened by staff based on whether a group’s work falls within our Funding Criteria. Staff then makes funding recommendations to the Board of Directors for final approval. All applicants are notified of the final funding decision by phone call or email.

What is Crossroads Fund’s grantmaking process?
Crossroads Fund uses community grantmaking processes for a variety of funds. Please visit our Grantmaking Process page for a description of each fund’s grantmaking process.

Does Crossroads Fund support direct or social service organizations?
Crossroads Fund supports social services when linked with activism, when there is a component of social change work within the organization. Please visit our Funding Criteria for a full discussion of social change organizing. Also check out our current grantees to see what types of groups we typically fund.

What if my group is not based in Chicago?
Crossroads Fund supports work rooted in communities in the Chicago metropolitan area. If you have any questions about geographic limits in our criteria, please email joanna@crossroadsfund.org If your work would fit into Crossroads Fund’s social change funding guidelines, but you are located in another area of the United States or Puerto Rico, check out the Giving Project’s list of sister funds.

Can local chapters of national organizations apply?
Yes, when the chapter has a strong base in Chicago area communities, and an autonomous fundraising strategy (is not solely dependent on the national group for funding).

Does Crossroads Fund have grant programs for individuals?
No, Crossroads Fund supports organizations. We cannot fund individuals.

Do I have to use Crossroads Fund’s application forms?
Yes – Crossroads Fund now requires all applicants to use our online grant portal.

How do I know if my organization fits Crossroads Fund’s budgetary restrictions?
We look at an organization’s previous year’s actual expenses to determine its fit with our budgetary guidelines. Most of our funding programs are for organizations with budgets under $500,000. If your organization’s planned budget for the current fiscal year is $510,000, but your last fiscal year’s actual expenses were $485,500, you would fit. Organizational budgets slightly over $500,000 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

What if my organization does not have 501(c)(3) status?
Crossroads Fund supports non-profit organizations, including those that do not have 501(c)3 status. Fiscal sponsorship for those organizations without tax-exempt status is recommended but not required. An organizational bank account is required for those groups not using a fiscal sponsor.
Crossroads Fund considers funding for 501(c)(4) organizations. Please contact Michael Aghuhar at michael@crossroadsfund.org to learn more.

Does Crossroads Fund offer feedback on proposals that are not selected for funding?
Crossroads Fund can and will respond to requests for feedback. Please share a draft or one-pager with joanna@crossroadsfund.org at least one-week prior to the grant deadline. Our feedback is based on your proposed work, and how well it aligns with our current grant-making priorities and funding strategies.