Private foundation · EIN 36-3501183 · River Forest, Illinois

George and Arlene Rusch Memorial Foundation

Should you approach them?

Don't send a cold proposal. The foundation reports that it only gives to preselected organizations; an introduction through a current grantee or board member is the realistic route.

From the 2025 Form 990-PF: 18 grants paid, $89K total, median $2,000. 89% of grants stayed in Illinois.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
18
$89K
Median grant
$2,000
Stays in IL
89%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$1.3M

Grants paid in 2025

18 grants, all shown · from Form 990-PF Part XV

RecipientPurposeAmount
Wttw WfmtChicago, ILSupporting public radio and the mind the gap initiative.$22K
Grace Lutheran SchoolRiver Forest, ILTo provide educational scholarships, textbooks, classroom supplies.$14K
Harmony Community CaresChicago, ILFood Pantry & Education Program for the Underprivileged.$13K
Grace Lutheran ChurchRiver Forest, ILTo provide ministry & staff support.$13K
Northshore Concert BandEvanston, ILTo support music education outreach, recorded works, commissions & leadership fund.$5,000
Operation Walk ChicagoBuffalo Grove, ILBringing mobility to underserved populations in the world.$5,000
Lutheran Child and Family Services (lcfs)Oak Brook Terrace, ILSupporting social services to children & families in need.$3,000
Northwestern University Kellog School of MgmtEvanston, ILSupporting education programs, research and scholarships.$3,000
Doctors Without BordersNew York, NYSupport healthcare under urgent circumstances in Ukraine.$2,000
Chicagoland Lutheran Education FoundationBenenville, ILEducational Scholarships, Textbooks, Classroom Supplies, Furniture & Equipment$2,000
Harmony Community ChurchChicago, ILTo provide church & youth ministry support.$2,000
Infant Welfare SocietyOak Park, ILTo support medical, dental & social services for children.$2,000
First Presbyterian Church of River ForestRiver Forest, ILTo support the church & youth ministry.$1,000
American Civil Liberties UnionNew York, NYTo defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the US Constitution and laws, including freedom of speech, religio…$500
Center on HalsteadChicago, ILSupporting LGBTQ+ health, wellness and cultural enrichment.$500
Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago FoundationChicago, ILSupporting children healthcare and research.$500
Misericordia HomeChicago, ILTo provide residential care for the disabled.$500
Navy PierChicago, ILTo support arts and culture.$500

By state: Illinois 16 · New York 2

About this foundation

George and Arlene Rusch Memorial Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in River Forest, Illinois, administered in care of David Zyer, tax-exempt since 1987. Private foundations must pay out roughly 5% of their assets each year, mostly as grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.

All filings on ProPublica

Does George and Arlene Rusch Memorial Foundation accept grant applications?

No. On its 2025 Form 990-PF the foundation checked that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations. Look for an introduction through a current grantee.

How much does George and Arlene Rusch Memorial Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $89K across 18 grants, a median of $2,000.

Where does George and Arlene Rusch Memorial Foundation give?

Illinois (16 grants), New York (2 grants), per its latest filing.

More foundations near River Forest that accept applications

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