Interfaith America in Chicago has announced a $12.5 million gift from the Stead Family Foundation.

The commitment will be fulfilled over the next 10 years and has the potential to be extended for an additional five years, which, at $18.75 million, would be the largest single gift ever received by Interfaith America.

“This generous gift from the Stead Family Foundation is transformative for Interfaith America, as it provides a solid foundation for our continued growth and innovation efforts,” said Interfaith America founder and president Eboo Patel. “We just celebrated our 20th anniversary last year, and we are grateful to the Stead family for their confidence in our ability to fulfill our mission and for making an investment that will sustain our work and allow us to scale it to increase our impact.”

“We are very pleased and excited to support the important work of Interfaith America as they unlock the potential of America’s religious diversity to heal division and create positive ways to bring people together—something that is so desperately needed today,” said Jerre and Mary Joy Stead. “We hope this gift will inspire others to join us and Interfaith America as their work expands into new communities and sectors where they can make a difference.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Cecilie Arcurs)