The Grand Victoria Foundation is accepting letters of inquiry for the Core Grant program. The core grantmaking program supports efforts to build strong communities by strengthening early childhood education, protecting natural lands and waterways, and expanding economic opportunity through robust employment development.Applications are sought for:EconomyThis grantmaking program will support organizations that:design solutions that create sensible protections for low and middle-income families working hard to make ends meetsupport workers and communities who wish to pursue entrepreneurship as a means for securing their economic futurespursue partnerships that allow communities and workers to benefit from economic growth in new and existing industriessignificantly improve access to creative, high-quality adult education opportunities for adults with limited literacy and numeracy skillsEducationThis grantmaking program will support organizations that:prioritize parent and youth power and voice in educationnurture socio-emotional well-beingstrengthen teacher pipeline, cultivate teacher leaders and support educator-led workcreate high-quality school-day and out-of-school learning experiencesfoster early learning and K-12 community-driven strategies and partnerships that advocate for equitable systemsElginThis grantmaking program awards grants in the following categories:Mission Grants: to organizations that effectively and inclusively meet the needs and wants of the community. Priority is given to organizations located in Elgin, serve Elgin residents, and deliver high-quality programsPartnership and Collaboration Grants: to organizations that partner with other local institutions to coordinate the building of high-functioning systems that bring about positive community changeEngagementThis grantmaking program will support organizations that:work to improve civil discourse, civic participation, community engagement, and a stronger democracy in Illinoisencourage efforts that increase residents’ agency and leadership and helps them use authority that enhances community well-beingEnvironmentThis grantmaking program will support organizations that:protect land and advance innovations to conservation practices that extend to natural, rural and urban areasfocus on increasing racial and ethnic diversity of practitioners in the fieldtest new solutions at the intersection of conservation and economypreserve and restore natural landscapesTo be considered for funding, an organization must be registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity. The foundation supports organizations in Illinois whose work is a strong fit with foundation guidelines and strategies.Letters of Inquiry for all program areas are accepted on a rolling basis and may be submitted throughout the year. 10/9