Springboard Foundation
Springboard Foundation is a Chicago-based venture philanthropy giving circle that provides up to five years of general operating support to small startup nonprofits running afterschool educational programs for youth in under-resourced Chicago communities.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2004
- HeadquartersChicago, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Springboard Foundation does
Springboard Foundation (legally The Springboard Foundation, DBA Springboard Foundation Fund) is a Chicago-based philanthropic grantmaking organization founded in 2004 by Doug Mabie. It operates as a venture philanthropy giving circle in which active donor "Members" personally review applications, conduct site visits, and select small startup nonprofits delivering afterschool educational programs to youth in under-resourced Chicago communities. Selected grantees receive up to five years of general operating support, capacity-building grants, access to peer Roundtables, and the Members' network; after five years, grantees graduate to make room for new organizations.
The foundation is administered by The Chicago Community Trust, which provides back-office, governance, and operational support, allowing Springboard to operate with a lean team of approximately 6 staff out of a single office at 33 S. State Street, Suite 750, Chicago. Grantee cohorts ("classes") have been funded annually since 2003, with the current portfolio spanning Class of 2025 (e.g., Butterflies 'N Effect, Chicago Climbs, STEAM & Dream Liberation Labs) and a historical portfolio of graduated organizations from 2003 through 2020 across arts, STEM, sports, mentoring, and education. The organization is governed by a Board of Advisors led by President Frank Moroni and currently led by Executive Director Sejal Shah-Myers following the September 2024 passing of founder Doug Mabie.
Revenue is derived from Member contributions (initially $5,000 per founding member), corporate donations, private foundation grants, and individual donations, routed through The Chicago Community Trust. Springboard is not a technology company: it develops no proprietary software, operates no AI systems, and offers no digital products beyond a standard website, newsletter, and Facebook presence. In 2024-2025 the foundation is publicly celebrating 20 years of continuous grantmaking.
Springboard Foundation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Springboard Foundation
- Legal name
- The Springboard Foundation
- Website
- https://springboardfoundation.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2004
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Springboard Foundation is a Chicago-based venture philanthropy giving circle that provides up to five years of general operating support to small startup nonprofits running afterschool educational programs for youth in under-resourced Chicago communities.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Springboard Foundation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Philanthropic Grantmaking
- NAICS
- Grantmaking Foundations (813211)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Community Foundations (BPAGAKAB)
Keywords
Where Springboard Foundation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chicago
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Springboard Foundation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Grant Funding and Donations: Springboard Foundation operates as a philanthropic organization that funds afterschool educational programs in Chicago. The foundation receives donations from members ($5,000 initial contributions), corporations, private foundations, and individuals. The Chicago Community Trust administers the foundation, providing operational guidance and administrative support. Selected nonprofits receive up to 5 years of general operating support plus capacity-building grants.
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels5 records
Springboard Foundation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Springboard Foundation is a philanthropic grantmaking organization that supports youth in under-resourced Chicago communities through multi-year general operating grants to vetted nonprofit partners. It operates a giving circle model in which Active Members pool annual contributions and collectively review and select grantee organizations, with additional capacity-building grants and Roundtables.
Product overview
Springboard Foundation is a philanthropic grantmaking organization that supports youth in under-resourced Chicago communities through educational afterschool programs. The organization operates as a venture philanthropy model where active donor 'Members' review applications, conduct site visits, and select nonprofits for funding. Grantees receive up to 5 years of general operating support along with capacity-building grants, Roundtables for learning and partnerships, and access to the Members' network. The portfolio includes current programs organized by cohort year (Class of 2021-2025) and past programs spanning Classes of 2003-2020. Springboard is celebrating 20 years of grantmaking and is administered by The Chicago Community Trust.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Multi-Year General Operating Support Grants Five-year general operating support grants awarded to vetted nonprofit organizations delivering youth programs in under-resourced Chicago communities.
- Capacity-Building Grants Supplemental grants to help grantee nonprofit partners strengthen organizational capacity and effectiveness.
- Roundtables Convening forums for member education, grantee engagement, and knowledge sharing among participating organizations.
- Active Membership Annual membership in a venture philanthropy giving circle for donors contributing $5,000+ who participate in grant review and selection.
Quantifiable outcome
- Multiple classes of grantees supported annually since 2003
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Springboard Foundation
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Springboard Foundation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Springboard Foundation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor.
- Aim & ArrowminorHas worked with large and small nonprofits on strategic and sustainability planning, program development and impact measurement, and marketing strategies including vision articulation and Case for Support.
- The Alford GroupminorProvides consulting services in fundraising and resource development, strategic planning and executive recruitment.
- AMPT: Advancing NonprofitsminorSupports west and south side community organizations in building organizational health and sustainability through capacity building.
- Association of Consultants to Nonprofits (ACN)minorChicagoland's society of professional nonprofit consultants. Connects organizations with experienced consultants for organizational development.
- Executive Service Corps of Chicago (ESC)minorHelps nonprofits improve performance through consulting projects and executive coaching in board development, strategic planning, and financial management. Services provided by retired executives.
- ForefrontminorProvides information and training on fundraising, management, and board governance for nonprofits.
- IFFminorA CDFI serving Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, and Indiana. Assists nonprofits through below-market real estate loans, facilities planning and development, and community planning for organizations serving low-income populations.
- Institution Builders, Inc.minorHelps organizations serving youth, families, and communities improve programs and services through research studies, program evaluations, data collection instruments, and evaluation capacity building workshops.
- LumityminorWorks to catalyze the nonprofit community through organizational capacity support, including technological and financial solutions, leadership in digital literacy, and resources for nonprofit management.
- Public NarrativeminorProvides media training, communications strategy, and assistance in getting media attention for nonprofits.
- QuamTaylorminorHelps nonprofit leaders secure larger donations by providing skills, tools, and habits that grow organizations. Also helps organizations start or strengthen intentional solicitations for diversified funding.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights2 records
Springboard Foundation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Springboard Foundation social profiles
Digital presenceSpringboard Foundation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Springboard Foundation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Springboard Foundation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Springboard Foundation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Springboard Foundation
What does Springboard Foundation do?
Springboard Foundation is a philanthropic grantmaking organization that supports youth in under-resourced Chicago communities through multi-year general operating grants to vetted nonprofit partners. It operates a giving circle model in which Active Members pool annual contributions and collectively review and select grantee organizations, with additional capacity-building grants and Roundtables.
Is Springboard Foundation a public or private company?
Springboard Foundation is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Springboard Foundation founded?
Springboard Foundation was founded in 2004. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Springboard Foundation based?
Springboard Foundation is headquartered in Chicago, United States, in the North America region.
How does Springboard Foundation make money?
One revenue line is on record: grant Funding and Donations.
Does Springboard Foundation have an API?
No public API is recorded for Springboard Foundation.
What industry is Springboard Foundation in?
Springboard Foundation's product category is Philanthropic Grantmaking. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAKAB, Community Foundations. Its NAICS code is 813211.