The Schwemm Family Foundation supports community-based charitable organizations that promote programs and initiatives that strengthen human and natural communities. The Foundation will fund projects that focus on California, Oregon, or the greater Chicago area. Proposals will be evaluated by how well they meet one or more of the following goals:

 

  • Enhance natural environments

Sustain and protect resilient, local ecosystems and related biodiversity by focusing on proactive conservation and/or, comprehensive restoration.

  • Preserve local history and culture

Instill a sense of connection and belonging to one’s community by preserving and sharing history and cultural heritage from periods that predate 1935, through literature, digital archiving, and other interpretive means.

  • Promote thriving communities for all

Improve communities by increasing the availability of green spaces and/or urban trail corridors, especially for residents in underserved communities.