The Coleman Foundation Market Research Report

Background

Overview

The Coleman Foundation, Inc. is a private, independent grantmaking foundation established in 1951 by Dorothy W. and J.D. Stetson Coleman, former owners of Fannie May Candy Company. The foundation is dedicated to enhancing the physical health, economic stability, and emotional well-being of individuals in the greater Chicago region. With assets approximately totaling $186 million, it ranks 17th on Crain’s Chicago Business 2024 list of the largest foundations in Chicago.

Mission and Vision

Mission: To invest in community-based organizations and local institutions that preserve and strengthen the physical health and the economic and emotional well-being of people living in the greater Chicago region.

Vision: To create more compassionate, equitable, and inclusive resources and opportunities that improve people’s lives with thoughtful and sustainable solutions.

Values

Respect for Community: Building relationships with grantee partners and community experts to ensure their knowledge guides the foundation's work.

Empathy: Understanding the experiences and perspectives of the people and communities served.

Responsiveness: Fostering a culture of learning, adaptability, and innovation to create positive impacts.

Responsible Stewardship: Managing the foundation’s resources in a steady, transparent, and responsible manner.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

The Coleman Foundation focuses on:

Entrepreneurship: Building a network of organizations providing quality entrepreneurship education and enhancing organizational capacity.

Health: Supporting comprehensive, patient-centered cancer care and integrating clinical care with community resources.

Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD): Investing in systems-wide solutions to improve the quality of life for Illinois residents with IDD.

Areas of Specialization

Entrepreneurship: Developing sustainable and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems in the Chicago region.

Health: Reducing health disparities and promoting well-being through accessible and equitable health initiatives.

IDD: Empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve a higher quality of life.

Key Technologies Utilized

The foundation employs data-driven approaches to assess community needs and measure the impact of its initiatives. While specific technologies are not detailed, the emphasis on data and grants management suggests the use of advanced data analytics and management platforms.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

Geographic Focus: Primarily the greater Chicago area, with limited support to select Midwest regions.

Target Conditions: Entrepreneurship education, cancer care, and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Total Assets: Approximately $186 million.

Annual Grants: Approximately $9 million, with 208 grants awarded in 2024.

Recent Funding Rounds

Specific details about recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed. The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis for grant applications, indicating a selective and strategic approach to funding.

Notable Investors

As a private foundation, The Coleman Foundation does not have external investors. Its funding is derived from its endowment, established by the founders.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The foundation allocates its capital across its three core program areas:

Entrepreneurship: Building a network of organizations providing quality entrepreneurship education.

Health: Supporting comprehensive, patient-centered cancer care and integrating clinical care with community resources.

IDD: Investing in systems-wide solutions to improve the quality of life for Illinois residents with IDD.

Pipeline Development

As a grantmaking foundation, The Coleman Foundation does not develop products or services but supports organizations that align with its mission. Therefore, it does not have a pipeline of clinical trials or product development.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

The foundation does not develop proprietary technologies but supports organizations that may utilize various technologies to achieve their missions.

Significant Scientific Methods

While specific scientific methodologies are not detailed, the foundation emphasizes data-driven approaches to assess community needs and measure the impact of its initiatives.

AI-Driven Capabilities

There is no public information indicating the use of AI-driven capabilities by The Coleman Foundation.

Leadership Team

Executive Director

Nora Garcia: Appointed in July 2025, Nora brings over two decades of leadership experience in health and educational equity, youth development, and immigration reform.

Board of Directors

Alison Fitzgerald: Co-Chair of the Board of Directors.

Esther Barron: Co-Chair.

Michael Furlong: Director.

Pat Yuzawa-Rubin: Director.

Laura Lane Taylor: Director.

Walter Abrego: Secretary.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The philanthropic sector in the Chicago region is robust, with numerous foundations supporting various causes. The Coleman Foundation's focus on entrepreneurship, health, and intellectual and developmental disabilities positions it as a significant player in these areas.

Competitor Analysis

While specific competitors are not detailed, other foundations in the Chicago area may focus on similar causes. The Coleman Foundation differentiates itself through its strategic focus on collaboration and community insight, emphasizing holistic, outcome-focused approaches.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The Coleman Foundation collaborates with various organizations to strengthen its impact, including:

Intersect for Ability Network: A network of organizations serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Women's Business Development Center: Received a $250,000 grant over two years to strengthen the Greater Chicago region's entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Operational Insights

The Coleman Foundation operates with a dedicated team, including a six-member board and six full-time staff members. It employs a selective, invitation-only process for grant applications, focusing on organizations that align with its mission and strategic priorities.