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Our Approach

The Frechette Family Foundation invests in and partners with organizations and leaders whose work aligns with our intended impact areas.

We trust grantee partners to determine the best strategies and mix of approaches to expand access – and remove barriers – to services and supports that promote the well-being of children and families.

We prioritize multi-level efforts that drive towards systems change and greater impact.

Focused Grantmaking Initiative: 
Child and Family Well-Being

The Frechette Family Foundation’s focused grantmaking centers children, families and communities experiencing the greatest barriers to health and well-being in the Eagle River Valley, Colorado and Chicago, Illinois.  Through the Child and Family Well-Being grantmaking initiative, we help community organizations promote:
Stable and Supported Families

Children and families have access to dual-generation programs and resources that strengthen parent-child relationships and overall family stability.

Healthy and Trauma-informed Workforce

Those who deliver services to children and families are skilled and supported in using healing-centered practices and taking care of their own personal well-being.

Community Capacity and Leadership

Organizations have the resources and capacity to meet the evolving needs of families, and to support the professional and leadership goals of community members and staff.

Collaboration and Partnership

Leaders prioritize and have the resources to dream big and cultivate partnerships that contribute to community-wide solutions that promote overall well-being.

Child and Family Well-Being grants are currently by invitation only. 

Family Interest Grants:
Education, Health & Community Well-Being

In addition to its Child and Family Well-Being program, the Foundation has a Family Interest grantmaking portfolio that includes:

  • Grants to long-standing partner organizations that prioritize education, health, and community well-being.
  • Grants recommended by individual board and committee members, reflecting the diversity of their personal and philanthropic interests; and
  • Grants considered by the Frechette Leadership and Governance program (FLAG), which focuses on youth experiencing homelessness in Chicago. FLAG engages third generation family members of the Frechette family.

Family Interest grants are by invitation only.

Learn More about FLAG

Frequently Asked Questions

How do we apply for a grant?

The Frechette Family Foundation grants are by invitation only. We do not consider unsolicited proposals.

There are some instances when we will have open call. We’ll share any open call opportunity through partner networks, as well as post it on our website with a link to the information/application.

What types of grants do you make?

The Foundation prioritizes general operating grants and multi-year support to help organizations build capacity to do their work. We also provide restricted grants for projects within larger organizations. 

We do not typically make grants for capital, endowment, and event sponsorships; when we do, they are to longtime grantee partners. 

The Foundation does not fund lobbying or advocacy efforts.

Why the focus on Chicago and Colorado?

The Frechette Family Foundation prioritizes two communities for the majority of its grantmaking: Chicago, Illinois – where Pat and Pete Frechette raised their daughters and where several family members have lived over the years – and the Eagle River Valley in Colorado, which became a second home to the family many years ago. The Foundation also funds anchor organizations in the Eagle River Valley through its Family Interest priority, continuing Pat and Pete’s legacy and commitment to the community.

What information is required for grant applications?

The Frechette Family Foundation uses an online grant portal for its application process. 

View Application Questions
Where can I find more information about the Foundation?

Each year, private foundations file a Form 990-PF  with the Internal Revenue Service. This public document provides fiscal data and a complete grants list. See recent Form 990-PF filings on Guidestar.

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What if I have more questions?

Please contact us if you have more questions. 

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