Updated Oct 30, 2026
Private foundations based in Champaign, Illinois
11 grantmaking foundations headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, holding $263M in assets. Ranked by grants paid in their latest 990-PF; 4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Pines Foundationsince 2013 | $10M24 grants · 2024 | $175K | Preselected only | $215M |
| Meyer Charitable Foundationsince 1997 | $1.6M41 grants · 2024 | $15K | Preselected only | $19M |
| Gene a Salmon Charitable Trustsince 2007 | $666K5 grants · 2025 | $89K | Preselected only | $8.6M |
| Eades Foundationsince 1981 | $227K14 grants · 2024 | $9,500 | Preselected only | $3.0M |
| Franklin I & Irene List Saemann Foundationsince 1984 | $210K14 grants · 2024 | $4,750 | Yes | $5.3M |
| Raynie Foundationsince 1957 | $193K58 grants · 2025 | $3,000 | Yes | $2.1M |
| Peter G Wagner Charitable Foundationsince 1991 | $188K1 grants · 2025 | $188K | Preselected only | $1.5M |
| Rose C Wagner Charitable Foundation 1015111888since 1997 | $164K1 grants · 2025 | $164K | Preselected only | $1.3M |
| Ruth Hayward Masonic Fundsince 1996 | $134K8 grants · 2025 | $19K | Yes | $1.8M |
| Mettler Studios Incsince 1977 | $85K11 grants · 2024 | $3,635 | Yes | $3.5M |
| Mabel C Covey Private Foundation Trustsince 2008 | $80K4 grants · 2025 | $20K | Preselected only | $1.3M |
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 Champaign, Illinois?
Our directory lists 11 private grantmaking foundations in Champaign, Illinois with at least $1 million in assets, holding a combined $263M. 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.