HONORING THE LEGACY OF WALTER S. MANDER THROUGH FOCUSED GIVING.
Walter S. Mander
The Walter S. Mander Foundation is the legacy of the late Walter “Wally” Mander, a refugee from Nazi Germany who settled in Chicago and went on to become one of the most successful individuals in the U.S meatpacking industry during the 1960s and 1970s. The Foundation’s work honors the interests and accomplishments of Mr. Mander during his lifetime. Grants are made to support Chicago area organizations working in the areas of community gardening and urban agriculture and neighborhood and community development. The Foundation also supports Jewish-related organizations and issues specific to the communities and interests of Mr. Mander and his family.
Urban Agriculture
We provide grants that support urban agriculture and greening programs in Chicago that promote access to healthy food and provide job-related skills.
Jewish & Israeli Organizations
We accept proposals in this area by invitation only.
Local Sustainable Agriculture
We support work that advances local and sustainable food and agriculture in Chicago and Illinois, including reform of food production, processing and delivery structures.
Cancer Research
We accept proposals in this area by invitation only.
Areas of Interest
The Walter Mander Foundation supports programs and initiatives related to food production and access, community development, Jewish life and culture, and cancer research. The Foundation makes general operating grants. Awards are made throughout the year.
Community Development
We accept proposals for programs that provide employment training, financial literacy and job opportunities that focus on higher-paying and skilled industries.
Application Procedures
The Mander Foundation accepts proposals in support of local, sustainable good programs and community development in the Chicago area. Applications should include a general program description, main goals and objective, and evaluation system used to measure and assess success. Financial statements, budgets and a list of donors also should accompany funding requests.