Education has consistently been a top issue for philanthropists in Chicago (and elsewhere), and Robin and Jack Lavin are no exception. The Lavins created the Osa Foundation in 2005, and they exclusively focus on local education in their grantmaking.
Here’s how the Osa Foundation approaches education funding and what Chicago grantseekers should know about turning to this funder for support.
The founders
Robin and Jack Lavin have been deeply involved with public life in Chicago for many years now. Robin Lavin is the president and founder of the Osa Foundation and has held many civic leadership roles, including with One Million Degrees, the Pro Pathways Fund of the Chicago Workforce Funder Alliance and the Healthy Schools Campaign’s Change for Good program. Before turning her attention to philanthropy, she worked in the financial services industry in New York City and London.
Jack Lavin is the sixth president and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, and in the past, he has been the director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, chief of staff for Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and chief operating officer of the state of Illinois. He has served on the boards of various local organizations as well, including the Chicago Children’s Theatre, and is known as a strong advocate for people with disabilities.
Together, the couple’s funding philosophy centers on impact investing and the values of self-reliance, equity, diversity, innovation and integrity.
Current education priorities
Within the realm of education, which is the Osa Foundation’s sole focus, there are four distinct priorities that the Lavins pursue. “Education to career” is the first priority and involves workforce development funding for career readiness, skills and job experiences. “College access, completion and success” is the second priority and involves helping first-generation and low-income students get college degrees.
The third priority is “education innovation,” supporting programs that seek to use technology and other innovations to improve learning and equip teachers to advocate for innovative learning experiences. “Student engagement” is the fourth foundation priority, involving efforts to promote experiential learning programs, increase exposure to career paths and alleviate educational barriers.
Applying for funding
Chicago is the Osa Foundation’s geographic focus. Chicago grantseekers should know that the foundation awards grants on an invitation-only basis. The funder makes grant decisions on a rolling basis and has specific application guidelines for invited applicants to follow.
Recent grantees include Skills for Chicagoland’s Future, City Colleges of Chicago, Educators 4 Excellence Chicago and SPARK Chicago. Grants often range between $1,000 and $25,000 each. More information about the Osa Foundation’s Chicago commitment can be found in IP’s Chicago and Great Lakes Funding Guide.