Private foundation · EIN 36-7632254 · Bannockburn, Illinois · Philanthropy & grantmaking

Sheldon L and Pearl R Leibowitz Lew Leibowitz Legacy 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: 16 grants paid, $760K total, median $38K. 75% of grants stayed in Illinois.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
16
$760K
Median grant
$38K
Stays in IL
75%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$17M

Grants paid in 2025

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

RecipientPurposeAmount
The ArkNorthbrook, ILUnrestricted for general use of charity.$160K
International Rescue CommitteeNew York, NYUnrestricted for general use of charity.$73K
ACLUNew York, NYUnrestricted for general use of charity.$70K
The Nature ConservancyArlington, VAUnrestricted for general use of charity.$53K
Greater Chicago Food DepositoryChicago, ILUnrestricted for general use of charity.$50K
NrdcChicago, ILUnrestricted for general use of charity.$50K
Feeding AmericaChicago, ILUnrestricted for general use of charity.$40K
World Wildlife FundWashington, DCUnrestricted for general use of charity.$40K
Environmental Law & Policy CenterChicago, ILUnrestricted for general use of charity.$35K
Night MinistryChicago, ILUnrestricted for general use of charity.$35K
All ChicagoChicago, ILUnrestricted for general use of charity.$30K
Community Partners for Affordable HousingLibertyville, ILUnrestricted for general use of charity.$30K
Jewish Council on Urban AffairsChicago, ILUnrestricted for general use of charity.$30K
Chicago Coalition for the HomelessChicago, ILUnrestricted for general use of charity.$25K
Deborah's PlaceChicago, ILUnrestricted for general use of charity.$20K
OpenlandsChicago, ILUnrestricted for general use of charity.$20K

By state: Illinois 12 · New York 2 · Virginia 1 · District of Columbia 1

About this foundation

Sheldon L and Pearl R Leibowitz Lew Leibowitz Legacy Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Bannockburn, Illinois, administered in care of Lew Leibowitz, tax-exempt since 2014. 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 Sheldon L and Pearl R Leibowitz Lew Leibowitz Legacy 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 Sheldon L and Pearl R Leibowitz Lew Leibowitz Legacy Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $760K across 16 grants, a median of $38K.

Where does Sheldon L and Pearl R Leibowitz Lew Leibowitz Legacy Foundation give?

Illinois (12 grants), New York (2 grants), Virginia (1 grants) and elsewhere, per its latest filing.

More foundations near Bannockburn that accept applications

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John D & Catherine T Macarthur Foundationsince 1971 Chicago, IL $356M1,086 grants · 2024 $160KPreselected only $8.7B
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