About the
Chicago Society Foundation
Although reports are presented regularly at Chicago Society General Membership Meetings regarding the ongoing activities of the Chicago Society Foundation, it may be helpful to newer members, and a refresher to longer-standing members, to re-acquaint all of us as to the history and purpose of the Foundation.
The Foundation is a private charitable organization affiliated with, but separate from, the Chicago Society. It is the successor organization to the Chicago Society Building Corporation, which originally held and then sold, the Society's clubhouse because of changing neighborhood and building management circumstances. The new Foundation was created for tax-advantage reasons to permit donors to obtain charitable deductions, and for flexibility in managing philanthropic causes. Its constitution requires it to provide philanthropic and charitable assistance specifically and only to individuals and organizations dedicated to the Polish American community.
Mindful of that purpose, the Foundation’s directors, consisting of all former Presidents and the current serving President of the Society, have made grants to an array of organizations and causes consistent with service to the Polish American community. These have included, to name a few, The Polish Museum, the Irena Krzyzanowska Sendler film (televised on PBS in the Spring of 2011 with credits to the Chicago Society Foundation and a number of Society members,) the Chicago Society scholarship winners, Polish dance groups, and a biography of Casimir Pulaski for placement in many Chicago Public libraries. All Chicago Society members should be proud of the work the Foundation has done throughout its existence to carefully evaluate and identify only the most worthy recipients of support.
In addition to its initial seed funding from the Building Corporation, the Foundation has worked to enhance its funds by various means over the years, most notably its Casino Night sponsorship. Leaders in the Foundation have guided the Society to successfully sponsor its own Casino Nights to the benefit of its treasury. Importantly, the Foundation maintains a Finance Committee consisting of experienced individuals who have invested the Foundation’s funds prudently and conservatively. In the face of the recent economic downturn, the Foundation’s investments have actually increased in value at a time many "professional" managers and other nonprofit organizations have suffered disheartening financial losses, compromising their missions. Rest assured there is no investment gun-slinging at the Foundation.
The Foundation meets quarterly, carefully invests its funds to remain a viable source of grants for years to come, welcomes qualifying grant requests from worthy Polish American organizations and causes for consideration, and will continue to serve its mission.
The Chicago Society, PNA, sold its clubhouse at 2222 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago, over 30 years ago. The funds were set aside for the purchase of a new clubhouse under the administration of the Chicago Society Building Corporation.
When it became clear that a new building would not be purchased in the foreseeable future, the thought arose that the funds being held by the Building Corporation should be put to use for the good of Polonia. As a result, a Foundation to handle the funds was suggested by Arthur Siemion, who was then Financial Secretary of the Chicago Society.
The movement gained popularity in 1998 and was supported by the Chicago Society's Board of Directors. Finally, after considerable debate and study, the concept was approved at a meeting of the general membership. By October, 1999, the Chicago Society Foundation was chartered as a Not-For-Profit Corporation by the State of Illinois. It has obtained status as a private charitable organization under the rules and regulations of the Internal Revenue Service.
The Chicago Society Building Corporation was dissolved and the Chicago Society Foundation (CSF) became the successor to its assets.
A constitution was constructed by the end of 1999 and made effective on January 1, 2000, when T. Ron Jasinski-Herbert, who had vigorously supported adoption of the CSF and authored its constitution, became its first President and Chairman of the Board. Jasinski-Herbert was reelected to serve for 2001 and then again for 2002.
Romuald E. Matuszczak became the second President of the CSF in January, 2003. Richard W. Ciesla became the third President in 2005. Donald A. Gutowski, Walter M. Piecewicz, Stanley Sawa, Charles A. Komosa, Mark Orwat and Thaddeus Makarewicz followed as Presidents.
The CSF consists of a Board of Directors composed of all living former Presidents and the current President of the Chicago Society. The Board's officers are elected in January of each year.
Donations to the CSF may be sent to the
Chicago Society Foundation
333 Busse Hwy #973
Park Ridge, IL 60068
Donations to the Foundation are tax deductible as provided by law
Chicago Society Foundation Background
GRANT REQUEST GUIDELINES
Grant Requests made to the Chicago Society Foundation (“Foundation”) must comply with the following guidelines to be considered.
1. Grant requests must be in accord with the applicable provisions of the Foundation Constitution.
a. “The purpose of the Chicago Society Foundation is to provide philanthropic and charitable assistance to meet the needs of individuals primarily of Polish heritage and organizations primarily dedicated to the Polish-American or Polish community within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue law.”
b. “The mission of the Foundation is to improve the well-being of the Polish-America and Polish communities by supporting cultural, historical and educational projects of qualified individuals and organizations.”
Please note Grants for construction, renovation or remodeling are not generally considered to be within the mission of the Chicago Society Foundation.
2. The Foundation Board regularly meets four times a year, on the fourth Monday of January, April, July and October. All grant requests must be submitted by U.S mail (postmarked) or e-mail by December 15, March 15, June 15, or September 15, as the case may be, to be considered at the subsequent Board meeting. Grant requests will be considered at the next meeting date following a timely and complete request. Please send all requests to Chicago Society Foundation, 333 Busse Hwy #973, Park Ridge, IL 60068, or to the email address identified on the Chicago Society Foundation website, Foundation page, at www.chicagosocietyfoundation.org/.
3. All requests must be in writing, signed by the chief executive officer or duly authorized and evidenced representative of the organization, and include the following information:
a. The contact information of the organization, including an individual’s specific name, phone number, postal address, email address, and the requesting organization’s website if available.
b. A detailed statement of the intended use(s) of the grant funds and conformity with the Foundation’s purpose and mission as outlined in the Constitution.
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c. A detailed business plan or budget, including expenses, outlining the proposed use of the requested grant. Requests by individuals should include a statement of time and expense contribution anticipated by the applicant personally.
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d. The specific dollar amount requested. If the request exceeds $1,000.00, such request must include the most recent financial statement or filed tax return to be considered.
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e. A list of any other sources and amounts of community or agency/governmental support for the last three (3) years, or state “none” if there has not been any community support.
Please note the Board in its discretion may request additional information, including financial, from any applicant.
The Foundation will notify an applicant of any action taken on its grant request within 30 days following a Board meeting.
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As approved by the Board of Directors on January 27, 2020
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All grant requests should be sent to: grants@chicagosocietyfoundation.org.
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