Iris Krieg F.A.I.R. Fund 2025

The Iris Krieg Fund for Fairness, Access, Inclusion, and Resiliency (F.A.I.R. Fund) is a special initiative of the Bright Promises Foundation, based in Chicago, Illinois. The fund aims to support youth leadership and civic engagement by reshaping traditional perceptions of young people and encouraging adult allies to support youth-led initiatives. The Bright Promises Foundation, through this fund, is dedicated to empowering youth as key agents of societal change by equipping them with the tools, support, and platforms necessary for them to influence decisions and policies traditionally controlled by adults. This grant prioritizes organizations that uphold the fund's core tenets: fairness, access, inclusion, and resiliency. These principles emphasize a just society for youth, equitable access to opportunities, the elimination of exclusion and discrimination, and fostering skills for youth to thrive in any context. The F.A.I.R. Fund is designed to promote civic participation and democratic engagement among diverse youth within the Chicagoland area. Grants are awarded to programs that are youth-initiated and youth-led, with adults playing a supportive rather than directive role. Each year, two organizations will receive one-time grants of up to $20,000 to fund either new or ongoing youth programs. There are no restrictions on how grant funds must be used, provided they directly support youth engagement in alignment with the proposed project. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or have a fiscal sponsor and serve children and youth within the Metropolitan Chicago Area. Schools and school districts are not eligible to apply directly; however, organizations that operate within schools during or outside of school hours may qualify. National organizations may apply only if their programs are locally based and have dedicated local staff. The foundation will not consider applications for general operating support or from organizations misaligned with its mission of equity, anti-racism, and youth well-being. Applications follow a two-step process beginning with a Letter of Inquiry due on June 13. Invited applicants must submit a full proposal by July 18. Grant decisions will be made by mid-September. Interested applicants can begin the process through the foundation's website and access the list of LOI questions online. For further inquiries, the designated contact is Tiffany McQueen, Program Officer, available at tiffany.mcqueenlewis@brightpromises.org or 312-848-5744.