The foundation's mission is to fund grassroots nonprofit organizations that would typically struggle to receive financial support, focusing primarily on afterschool and supplemental education programs for Chicago public school students. By assisting these programs to become self-sustaining, the foundation aims to facilitate personal growth and success for students. By leveraging their resources - time, treasure, knowledge, and network - they ensure the sustained growth and sustainability of these essential organizations.
The grant program aims to support small, community-based programs working in under-resourced neighborhoods, with a focus on afterschool activities for the youth of Chicago. A Springboard grant marks the beginning of a long-term, multi-year relationship, wherein Springboard members actively participate in assessing and supporting the grantee organizations through site visits and consistent oversight, to enhance their organizational stability and extend their reach. Grants are primarily used for expanding program capacity, staff, transportation, and general operations, with amounts ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 based on the duration of the organizations' relationship with Springboard. Additionally, the Management Suite Grants offer current grantees the opportunity for capacity building by funding up to 70% of services such as professional development, strategic planning, and core function improvements, underlining the foundation's commitment to ensuring the operational stability and growth of its beneficiaries.