The Leo S. Guthman Fund is a private family foundation which aims to improve people’s lives and strengthen communities. The Fund supports non-profit organizations which provide programs and support to unite communities and tackle the challenges of vulnerable people, improve people’s health and vitality and encourage youth to be leaders. Through LSGF grants, many people have been given the opportunity to rise above the challenges they have faced.

Since 2003, the Fund has provided funding to more than 300 organizations to provide programming which has touched the lives of thousands of people. Through its funding, LSGF aims to send the message that people are capable of healing and overcoming obstacles. A significant portion of the Fund’s grantmaking is through discretionary grants by LSGF Trustees which are given to organizations nation-wide. The remaining funds are distributed to organizations in Chicago, approximately half of which is for organizations that use the arts as a tool for improving people’s lives through building community or healing. The other portion of our funding supports programs in the social services, health, youth leadership development, summer employment for youth and other special programs.