Updated Oct 31, 2026
Private foundations based in Peoria, Illinois
16 grantmaking foundations headquartered in Peoria, Illinois, holding $418M in assets. Ranked by grants paid in their latest 990-PF; 10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caterpillar Foundationsince 1953 | $56M1 grants · 2025 | $56M | Yes | $266M |
| Gilmore Foundationsince 2010 | $3.6M28 grants · 2025 | $50K | Yes | $66M |
| His First Foundationsince 2002 | $1.0M37 grants · 2025 | $10K | Yes | $30M |
| J & V Flynn Foundationsince 2001 | $955K16 grants · 2025 | $40K | Yes | $12M |
| Bielfeldt Foundationsince 1986 | $345K13 grants · 2024 | $5,000 | Yes | $12M |
| Thomas and Patricia Pelger Family Charitable Foundationsince 2012 | $325K27 grants · 2025 | $3,000 | Yes | $7.1M |
| Peoria Symphony Foundation Incsince 1983 | $298K1 grants · 2024 | $298K | Preselected only | $4.4M |
| Miles C Hauter Foundationsince 2002 | $284K13 grants · 2025 | $10K | Yes | $4.1M |
| Gloyd Family Foundationsince 1998 | $209K26 grants · 2025 | $5,000 | Yes | $4.0M |
| Rucker Family Foundationsince 2003 | $168K29 grants · 2024 | $1,000 | Preselected only | $3.1M |
| Rex and Nelle Jackson Foundationsince 1967 | $151K25 grants · 2025 | $4,303 | Preselected only | $2.2M |
| Florence F Leifheit Foundationsince 1998 | $140K6 grants · 2025 | $20K | Yes | $1.6M |
| Charles & Kimberly Hemmer Private Foundationsince 1999 | $117K44 grants · 2024 | $1,000 | Preselected only | $1.4M |
| Damien Foundationsince 1998 | $83K17 grants · 2024 | $3,365 | Preselected only | $1.4M |
| Hunzeker Family Foundationsince 2017 | $80K17 grants · 2024 | $3,000 | Yes | $1.9M |
| Slg Cohen Foundation Incsince 1989 | — | — | Preselected only | $2.8M |
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 Peoria, Illinois?
Our directory lists 16 private grantmaking foundations in Peoria, Illinois with at least $1 million in assets, holding a combined $418M. 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.