Private foundation · EIN 36-4159217 · Northbrook, Illinois · Philanthropy & grantmaking

Richard and Judith Stern Family 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: 17 grants paid, $49K total, median $2,500. 41% of grants stayed in Illinois.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
17
$49K
Median grant
$2,500
Stays in IL
41%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$1.7M

Grants paid in 2025

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

RecipientPurposeAmount
Chicago Psychoanalytic InstituteChicago, ILGeneral purposes$5,000
Japan SocietyNew York, NYGeneral purpose$5,000
National Womens Law CenterWashington, DCGeneral purposes$5,000
The Art Institute of ChicagoChicago, ILGeneral purpose$4,000
Lincoln Park ZooChicago, ILGeneral purpose$3,000
University of ChicagoChicago, ILGeneral purpose$3,000
World Wildlife FundWashington, DCGeneral purpose$3,000
The Rocky Mountain InstituteBoulder, COGeneral purpose$3,000
Southern Poverty Law CenterMontgomery, ALGeneral purposes$2,500
Northwestern Memorial FoundationChicageo, ILGeneral purposes$2,500
University of Chicago LaboratoryChicago, ILGeneral purposes$2,500
Sandy Hook Promise FoundationNewtown, CTGeneral purposes$2,000
The Michael J Fox Foundation forNew York, NYGeneral purposes$2,000
New Israel FundNew York, NYGeneral purposes$2,000
Nature ConservancyArlington, VAGeneral purposes$1,500
Newman NationLibertyville, ILGeneral purposes$1,500
Proctor AcademyAndover, NHGeneral purposes$1,000

By state: Illinois 7 · New York 3 · District of Columbia 2 · Colorado 1 · Alabama 1 · Connecticut 1

About this foundation

Richard and Judith Stern Family Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Northbrook, Illinois, administered in care of Friedman & Huey, tax-exempt since 1997. 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 Richard and Judith Stern Family 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 Richard and Judith Stern Family Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $49K across 17 grants, a median of $2,500.

Where does Richard and Judith Stern Family Foundation give?

Illinois (7 grants), New York (3 grants), District of Columbia (2 grants) and elsewhere, per its latest filing.

More foundations near Northbrook that accept applications

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