Our grantee partners are bold, compassionate, and dedicated to supporting thriving individuals and communities.

We value the work of our partner organizations and continue to build trusting, transparent relationships with them all. We prioritize long-term relationships with our partners to provide stable and ongoing support to their missions.

Our Giving in the Numbers

80%

of grants are multi-year

90%

of giving is scholarship or general operating support.

$400,000

in capital or growth campaign grants to existing grantees since 2023

Featured Projects and Partnerships

  • Big Shoulders Fund

    18 Years | $770,000

    The Bidwill Foundation has been partnering with Big Shoulders Fund for nearly 20 years. Its mission to support under resourced schools that provide a quality, values-based education for Chicago and Northwest Indiana’s Children impacts 25,000 students each year and positively impacts individuals and communities throughout the greater Chicago region.

    Partner Website

  • BandWith

    5 Years | $250,000

    BandWith Chicago promotes wellness for Chicago youth through lasting access to high quality performing arts instruction. Operating in East Garfield Park, BandWith provides an opportunity for young people who are passionate about music to learn, perform, and connect with one another. The Bidwill Foundation has been supporting BandWith since 2021, and in 2024 made a $4.93M Program-Related Investment in its Community Performing Arts Center. The Center is located in the Garfield Park neighborhood and will serve young people from the community and across Chicago when it opens in late 2025. 

    Partner Website

  • Mychal’s Learning Place

    13 Years | $365,000

    Mychal’s Learning Place provides support, training, and opportunities to youth and young adults with developmental disabilities to build their independence and pursue their goals and dreams. The Bidwill Foundation is honored to have partnered with Mychal’s over the past decade and is inspired by its determination to continue growing and innovating to provide the best support to the people it serves.

    Partner Website

  • Thrive Scholars

    16 Years | $371,000

    Thrive Scholars aims to serve high-achieving, underrepresented students from economically disadvantaged communities get into and graduate from top colleges equipped to achieve their full career potential. Thrive Scholars’ data-driven approach allows the organization to find new and innovative ways to support underrepresented students reach their full potential. The Bidwill Foundation is proud to support the Thrive Scholars in Los Angeles and Chicago.

    Partner Website

  • // Thrive Scholars //

    “We are grateful for the generous support of the Bidwill Foundation, which helps expand access to essential resources and mentorship for high-achieving students. Through this partnership, Scholars gain critical academic and professional opportunities that prepare them for long-term success in college and their careers.”

  • // Big Shoulders Fund //

    “Our partnership is rooted in a shared belief that a great education is not only life-changing for the individual but also transformative for communities. We are grateful to the Charles W. & Patricia S. Bidwill Foundation for being a generous partner in our work since our inception, working with us to ensure our schools not only keep their doors open to thousands of the most deserving children every year but also that they provide a quality, values-based education setting them up for success inside and outside the classroom. Together we have and continue to prepare the next generation of Chicagoland leaders.”

  • //BandWidth//

    “The Bidwill Foundation has had a profound impact on BandWith's journey. Their support and belief in our vision played a pivotal role in the success of our building project, propelling us forward at a critical moment. Thanks to the Bidwill Foundation, we will be opening our doors within just a few months, to serve as a community anchor and hub of creativity on Chicago's West Side for generations to come. We are forever grateful.”

  • //Ed Lynch, Founder & CEO, Mychal's Learning Place//

    “The Charles W. & Patricia S. Bidwill Foundation has been integral in supporting our programs so that young people with disabilities can achieve their dreams.  In addition to supporting our daily activities, they have been an integral part of our social enterprise expansion, opening Mychal's Café and creating more training and employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.  I'm so appreciative of their support, and know that they will continue to be by our side as we strive to do more for a very deserving group of individuals, there is still so much to do."