Challenge What’s Possible

Innovation Grant

The Tracy Family Foundation (TFF) is proud to introduce the Challenge What’s Possible Innovation Grant, our most ambitious funding initiative to date. This multi‑year grant is designed to spark bold ideas, encourage calculated risk‑taking, and support organizations striving to solve complex challenges in West Central Illinois.

View the RFP
Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is Eligible?

Organizations must be located in and serving West Central Illinois, specifically in the counties of:

Adams, Brown, Cass, Greene, Hancock, McDonough, Morgan, Pike, Scott, or Schuyler

Eligible applicants include:

  • Nonprofit organizations

  • Churches

  • Schools

  • Government entities

Applicants may request up to $100,000 for the first year of this multi‑year innovation grant. Eligibility for this program does not affect participation in TFF’s Annual Grants or other funding programs.

Grant Purpose

The Challenge What’s Possible Innovation Grant empowers organizations to reimagine what’s possible in their communities by developing creative, high‑impact solutions to critical needs.

Projects must:

  • Align with at least one Theory of Change (listed below) within TFF’s focus areas: Brown County, Education, Families, Mental Health, or Youth.

  • Clearly explain how the project contributes to the outcomes in that Theory of Change.

  • Demonstrate strong community relevance using data, observations, or surveys.

  • Present innovative approaches grounded in proven or promising practices.

  • Aim for substantial, measurable, and long‑term impact.

Program Description

Many organizations operate with limited time and resources to step back, evaluate, and innovate. This grant is designed to change that. The Challenge What’s Possible Innovation Grant:

  • Supports new programs or strengthens recently launched initiatives.

  • Encourages collaboration among organizations.

  • Provides funding to test new ideas and take informed risks.

  • Offers continued multi‑year support, determined by project progress and evolving needs.

  • Helps organizations pilot efforts that can be replicated, scaled, or sustained.

What Are the Requirements?

Projects should clearly align with at least one of TFF’s Theories of Change by identifying the specific outcomes or long‑term goals they aim to advance and articulating the meaningful change they intend to influence in the community. Proposals should introduce innovative ideas or approaches that address unmet needs and push beyond the status quo, while demonstrating that the organization and its partners have the expertise and capacity to deliver a pilot that could grow or be replicated if successful. Each project should include a realistic timeline and budget, thoughtful plans for managing risks and adapting when challenges arise, and a strong rationale showing that the potential impact justifies the investment. Finally, proposals should be intentionally designed to test assumptions, gather and apply learnings, and reflect on results, with a commitment to sharing insights with TFF throughout the process. Organizations are encouraged to reference the TFF Innovation Assessment document as they consider an application.

What Are the Expectations of the Program?

Organizations selected for funding should be prepared to:

  • Pilot an innovative project that tests new ideas.

  • Collect and evaluate meaningful data.

  • Regularly reflect on outcomes, learning, and pivots.

  • Collaborate with TFF through check‑ins and shared learning.

  • Demonstrate progress toward the selected Theory (or Theories) of Change.

  • Contribute to long‑term, community‑wide impact.

Application Timeline

  • May 1 – Interest Forms due

  • May 25 – Notification of selection to move forward

  • June 19 – Grant applications due

  • July 6 – Notification of selection to move forward

  • Week of July 13 – Proposal presentations to TFF staff

  • August – Final funding decisions by TFF Board; notifications sent

questions?

View the FAQs. Or contact TFF staff members Sara Reuschel or Terry Jenkins.

View the Challenge What’s Possible informational webinar here.