OVERVIEW: Franke Family Charitable Foundation’s grantmaking includes support of education, arts and humanities. Chicago is a geographic priority.
IP TAKE: The foundation keeps a low public profile, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. This funder does, however, accept written narratives from nonprofits working in its areas of interest.
PROFILE: Founded in 1990, the Franke Family Charitable Foundation was established by investment banker Richard Franke and his wife, Barbara. The Franke Family Charitable Foundation’s grantmaking includes support of education, arts and humanities. To a lesser extent, the foundation has funded health, human rights and community development.
The Frankes have been strong patrons of the humanities for many years. In 1988, Franke helped found the Chicago Humanities Festival, which brings together artists and culture critics from all over the world. In 1997, he was a member of the first cohort to receive the new National Humanities Medal from then President Clinton. In the late 1990s, Franke and Barbara gave $2.5 million to University of Chicago's Humanities Institute, and it was renaming the Franke Institute for the Humanities. Other Chicago-area grantees include Barbara’s alma mater, Northwestern University, and the Lyric Opera of Chicago, where Richard Franke is a lifetime director.
In a recent fiscal year, grants ranged from $75 to $500,000. Arts and humanities organizations of all sizes have received Franke support. Review the funder's recent tax records to learn more about past grantees. Grantmaking prioritizes but is not limited to Chicago.
The foundation accepts written narratives with proof of 501(c) status. The funder's phone number is 312-573-2743.
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CONTACT:
Franke Family Foundation
676 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 2920
Chicago, IL 60611-2861
(312) 573-2743