Private foundation · EIN 81-6959383 · Chicago, Illinois · Philanthropy & grantmaking

Donald R Wilson Jr 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: 12 grants paid, $469K total, median $14K. 42% of grants stayed in Illinois.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
12
$469K
Median grant
$14K
Stays in IL
42%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$5.6M

Grants paid in 2025

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

RecipientPurposeAmount
US Sailing FoundationBristol, RIGeneral support$197K
University of ChicagoChicago, ILGeneral support$95K
Chicago Architecture Biennial IncChicago, ILGeneral Support$50K
University of Ri Foundation & Alumni EngagementKingston, RIGeneral Support$40K
Navy Seal Foundation IncVirginia Beach, VAGeneral Support$25K
Shake-A-Leg Miami IncCoconut Grove, FLGeneral Support$15K
Callen Lorde Community Health Project IncNew York, NYGeneral Operating Support$13K
Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center IncNew York, NYGeneral Support$13K
Noble Network of Charter SchoolsChicago, ILGeneral Support$7,000
Lincoln Park ConservancyChicago, ILGeneral Support$5,000
United States Holocaust Memorial MuseumWashington, DCGeneral Support$5,000
University of ChicagoChicago, ILGeneral Support$4,524

By state: Rhode Island 2 · Illinois 5 · New York 2 · Virginia 1 · Florida 1 · District of Columbia 1

About this foundation

Donald R Wilson Jr Family Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Chicago, Illinois, administered in care of Katherine Madeja, tax-exempt since 2018. 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 Donald R Wilson Jr 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 Donald R Wilson Jr Family Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $469K across 12 grants, a median of $14K.

Where does Donald R Wilson Jr Family Foundation give?

Rhode Island (2 grants), Illinois (5 grants), New York (2 grants) and elsewhere, per its latest filing.

More foundations near Chicago that accept applications

All in Illinois
FoundationBased inGrants paidMedian grantAccepts applicationsAssets
The Brinson Foundationsince 2007 Chicago, IL $8.5M138 grants · 2024 $50KYes $228M
Arie and Ida Crown Memorialsince 1962 Chicago, IL $115M897 grants · 2024 $55KYes $2.4B
Joyce Foundationsince 1949 Chicago, IL $52M470 grants · 2024 $80KYes $1.2B
Circle of Service Foundationsince 1994 Chicago, IL $37M637 grants · 2024 $25KYes $566M
Email me matching grants