Although many Chicago-area nonprofits may not have heard of the Frank E. Payne and Seba B. Payne Foundation, this funder has been on the local philanthropy scene since 1962. This is a low-key foundation with very little public information available beyond tax records. Yet it awarded over $7 million in contributions, gifts and grants in a recent year, so it is a significant local funder to know.
Here are some details about how the Frank E. Payne and Seba B. Payne Foundation awards grants and how it gives in its home city of Chicago.
Topics of interest
The environment has been a prevailing interest of the Frank E. Payne and Seba B. Payne Foundation since its inception, with donations flowing to prominent organizations like American Rivers, the Land Trust Alliance and the Rainforest Action Network. Closer to home in Chicago, the Payne Foundation has focused more of its attention on arts and culture, human services and education. Hospitals, religious programs and animal cruelty prevention efforts often receive Payne grants. Homelessness in Chicago has been an emerging interest for the foundation as well.
Typical Payne grants
Most recent Payne grants have hovered between $15,000 and $500,000. The foundation provides unrestricted general support, specific project funding and contributions to specialized funds. Examples of Chicago-based grantees include the United Negro College Fund, the Environmental Law and Policy Center, and the Children’s Place Association.
Other regions of interest
Although Chicago is the foundation’s home city and a significant site of its grantmaking, Payne appears to be broadening its geographic reach in recent years, supporting groups in many other parts of the country. For example, recent grantees are based everywhere from Pennsylvania to Arizona, Colorado, Virginia, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C.
Applying for a grant
Unfortunately for local grantseekers, the Payne Foundation does not have a website, nor does it make its grantmaking guidelines or procedures known to the public. According to tax records, it also doesn’t accept unsolicited proposals. However, organizations can reach the foundation by phone if they have general questions. The foundation is managed by Bank of America, and there are no paid employees or full-time staff.
Read more about this foundation and find contact information in our Chicago and Great Lakes Funding Guide.