Grant Programs

Wellness Grant Program

Wellness Grants for Leaders + Frontline Workers

The Lumpkin Family Foundation (LFF) has expanded its grantmaking to include community mental health programming in both East Central Illinois and the Chicagoland region.

We recognize that burnout is also a constant threat to the sustainability of our grantee organizations and would be remiss if we did not prioritize the mental wellness of the people who lead, manage, and labor on the frontlines within the communities in which they serve.

Considering this, LFF is launching a new Wellness Grant opportunity. LFF grantees who received LFF funding within the last 3 calendar years can apply for a one-time grant of up to $2,500 to support reasonable wellness activities or programming that will result in a period of rest or rejuvenation for organizational staff and/or leadership.

Eligibility: Any LFF grantee who has received funding from the Foundation within the last 3 calendar years. This includes 2024 grantees of North Lawndale Fresh. This is a standalone grant and does not impact eligibility for any other LFF funding opportunity.

Grants were awarded in September 2024. Visit us again in Spring 2025.

Wellness Grant Letter of Inquiry

Grant Deadlines:

Letters of Inquiry Accepted:
June 2-June 16, 2025

Grants Awarded:
June 23, 2025

Program Contact

Apply Here

Amount Donated:

$24,500

Grants Awarded:

11

view past grantees

East Central Illinois and Chicagoland

Region

Please Direct Inquiries To:

Monique B. Schlichtman

Senior Program Officer, Chicago

Phone: 773-420-7047

Email: monique@lumpkinfoundation.org

Grant News

Foundation News
Posted July 18, 2024

LFF Offers Wellness Grants

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All News

Recent Grantees

Sola Gratia Farm

2024

Awarded: $2.500

To purchase safety equipment, shade, hydration, and ergonomic workplace items for staff wellness and to provide seasonal chair massage sessions with a local therapist.

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Healthy Schools Campaign

2024

Awarded: $2.500

To provide staff three-month memberships to ClassPass, a program that allows participants to attend fitness, meditation, and other wellness classes available in both virtual and in-person formats from thousands of providers nationwide, which is well-suited to HSC’s hybrid work structure and staff that hail from multiple states.

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Stein Learning Gardens at St Sabina

2024

Awarded: $750

To fund a three-day staff hiking retreat and a team rock climbing class at Starved Rock State Park in Illinois and Kettle Moraine State Forest in Wisconsin. During the retreats, staff plans to: reflect on programmatic outcomes for 2024; conduct strategic planning for calendar years 2025 and 2026; build team bonding; and reflect on personal goals.

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Heart of Illinois Community Foundation

2024

Awarded: $2.500

To fund a series of wellness initiatives for staff of the community foundation to include an employee Wellness Day, folding treadmills for the office, and a group trip to attend a performance of 'Hamilton' in St. Louis.

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Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project (FLAP)

2024

Awarded: $1,250

To support a two-day leadership and strategy retreat at Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center in Oglesby, IL. This period of rest and rejuvenation will empower FLAP’s leaders to return to their roles with renewed energy, clarity, and motivation, ultimately enhancing their capacity to fulfill FLAP’s mission to improve working conditions and opportunities for low-wage workers.

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Illinois Stewardship Alliance

2024

Awarded: $2.500

For a two-day retreat at Starved Rock Lodge for female leaders of four Illinois farm and food organizations to focus on relationship-building, self-care, and celebration. Funds will also support a larger lunch gathering for 8 other Chicago-area farm and food nonprofit directors.

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View All Past Grantees