Private foundation · EIN 39-1869184 · Wilmette, Illinois · Philanthropy & grantmaking

Thorne 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: 15 grants paid, $68K total, median $2,500.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
15
$68K
Median grant
$2,500
Stays in IL
—
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$1.1M

Grants paid in 2025

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

RecipientPurposeAmount
Messiah Lutheran ChurchSavannah, GAProvide financial support for the community to participate in religious activities.$16K
Trevor Project IncWest Hollywood, CAProvide financial support$10K
University of Wisconsin Foundation Dba Wi Foundation and Alumni AssociationMadison, WIProvide financial support$10K
West Bend ColumnsWest Bend, WIProvide financial support for scholarships$10K
Sharon S Richardson Community HospiceSheboygan Falls, WIProvide financial support for individuals and their families who are utilizing hospice care.$6,000
Sheboygan Senior CommunitySheboygan, WIProvide financial support$5,500
University of Wisconsin Madison School of BusinessMadison, WIProvide financial support for scholoraships$4,000
University of Minnesota-DuluthDuluth, MNProvide financial support for scholarships$2,500
Milwaukee School of EngineeringMilwaukee, WIProvide financial support for scholarships$2,000
Univ of Madison & Nolan Bunnell - Evelyn Thorne ScholarshipMadison, WIProvide financial support for scholarships$2,000
Sheboygan Rotary Club FoundationSheboygan, WIProvide financial support$150
Camp Evergreen Corporation IncSheboygan, WIProvide financial support$100
Cystic Fibrosis FoundationBethesda, MNProvide financial support$100
Ronald McDonald HouseSavannah, GAProvide finiancal support for housing for families with sick children$100
Washington Co Meals on WheelsWest Bend, WIProvide financial support for elderly, disabled, or housebound individuals$100

By state: Wisconsin 10 · Georgia 2 · California 1 · Minnesota 2

About this foundation

Thorne Family Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Wilmette, Illinois, 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 Thorne 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 Thorne Family Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $68K across 15 grants, a median of $2,500.

Where does Thorne Family Foundation give?

Wisconsin (10 grants), Georgia (2 grants), California (1 grants) and elsewhere, per its latest filing.

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