Updated Oct 31, 2026
Private foundations based in Bloomington, Illinois
15 grantmaking foundations headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, holding $144M in assets. Ranked by grants paid in their latest 990-PF; 3 on this page say they accept applications. For foundations ranked by where their grants went, see local funders.
| Foundation | Grants paid | Median grant | Accepts applications | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm Companies Foundationsince 1968 | $8.6M4 grants · 2025 | $1.3M | Yes | $48M |
| Russell and Betty Shirk Foundationsince 1969 | $1.2M18 grants · 2025 | $6,575 | Yes | $19M |
| Snyder Family Foundation Nfpsince 2006 | $1.1M17 grants · 2024 | $5,000 | Preselected only | $9.3M |
| The Growmark Foundationsince 2001 | $1.0M171 grants · 2025 | $2,000 | Preselected only | $2.3M |
| Jerome Mirza Foundationsince 2000 | $769K13 grants · 2025 | $35K | Preselected only | $23M |
| The Merwin Foundationsince 2017 | $420K7 grants · 2025 | $25K | Preselected only | $6.0M |
| Theo Sophia Charitysince 2020 | $376K5 grants · 2025 | $25K | Preselected only | $5.4M |
| Burdette & Kathryn Knappenberger Charitable Tr Uw 08191999since 2005 | $356K8 grants · 2025 | $34K | Preselected only | $3.7M |
| Parker Kemp Foundationsince 1969 | $271K55 grants · 2025 | $2,000 | Preselected only | $3.8M |
| The Owen Foundationsince 1995 | $250K25 grants · 2025 | $5,000 | Yes | $2.8M |
| Paul a Funk Foundationsince 1968 | $223K44 grants · 2024 | $2,000 | Preselected only | $8.7M |
| Clarence & Lola Hindenburg Charitable Trsince 2021 | $169K4 grants · 2025 | $28K | Preselected only | $3.6M |
| Joseph F Fleming Charitable Trustsince 1991 | $69K7 grants · 2025 | $2,668 | Preselected only | $4.8M |
| James W Lundberg Philanthropic Trustsince 1998 | $47K7 grants · 2025 | $7,000 | Preselected only | $2.9M |
| Efaw Family Foundationsince 2001 | $32K5 grants · 2025 | $1,000 | Preselected only | $1.1M |
Sources: IRS Business Master File (assets), ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer and IRS 990-PF e-file (grants paid, application policy). "Accepts applications" reflects the foundation's own Part XV checkbox.
Open grant programs in Illinois
All 2| Deadline | Grant | Funder | Award ceiling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rollingno deadline | Illinois Arts Council Agency — Organizational GrantsStateIllinois Arts Council Agency | Illinois Arts Council Agency | Not listed |
| Rollingno deadline | Illinois Humanities — Humanities GrantsStateIllinois Humanities | Illinois Humanities | Not listed |
Common questions
How many private foundations are based in Bloomington, Illinois?
Our directory lists 15 private grantmaking foundations in Bloomington, Illinois with at least $1 million in assets, holding a combined $144M. The data comes from the IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File and Form 990-PF.
How do I get a grant from a private foundation?
Start with foundations that already fund organizations like yours nearby. Read the grantee list on each profile, check whether the foundation accepts applications (it says so on its 990-PF), and lead with a short letter of inquiry. Many family foundations fund only organizations they already know; an introduction through a shared grantee or board member works better than a cold proposal.
Can you help us approach foundations?
Yes. Our grant writers research foundation prospects, write letters of inquiry, and build a foundation fundraising plan. Request a free consultation.