CHIditarod Foundation Grant Program

The CHIditarod Foundation, known for organizing philanthropic shopping cart races in Chicago since 2006, has evolved its community engagement to include an annual grant program. Building on its initial efforts as a food drive, the organization eventually became a registered 501(c)(3) and now supports nonprofits combatting hunger in Northern Illinois. Since its inception, the CHIditarod Foundation has collected over 280,524 pounds of food and raised significant funds through creative fundraising events. The foundation's commitment to eradicating hunger has led to the establishment of a structured grant program that disburses funds to community-led organizations engaged in innovative and impactful food access initiatives. The CHIditarod Grant Program is conducted annually, with one application cycle per year. Letters of Intent (LOIs) for the 2025 grant round are due by June 30, with full applications required by September 1. The review process occurs in early October. Successful applicants are expected to submit a narrative report by May 1, 2026, and to participate in joint promotional efforts regarding the grant. The foundation emphasizes transparency and accountability from its grantees. Eligible applicants must operate within Northern Illinois and focus on areas such as innovative education, partnerships with community and policy organizations, nutrition and health, and other food-related projects. Applicants must be recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or have a formal fiscal sponsorship agreement. Additional requirements include being in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State and registered with the Illinois Attorney General. The foundation is particularly interested in small, community-led groups whose missions address food insecurity and hunger alleviation. Funding from the CHIditarod Foundation may support both program development and infrastructure improvements. In 2024, the foundation awarded nearly $115,000 across 22 nonprofit organizations, marking a record in fundraising. The foundation reports annual funding amounts and grantee numbers on its website, demonstrating a steady increase in both grant size and outreach efforts. Applications are submitted via forms linked on the foundation’s website. Interested parties are encouraged to sign up for grant-related news for updates. All questions related to the grant process should be directed to the foundation at foundation@chiditarod.org. The foundation has a history of steadily increasing both its grant funding and regional outreach, with significant expansions in 2024 due to enhanced fundraising efforts and strategic board initiatives.