Updated Oct 30, 2026
Private foundations based in Springfield, Illinois
15 grantmaking foundations headquartered in Springfield, Illinois, holding $117M in assets. Ranked by grants paid in their latest 990-PF; 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levi Ray & Shoup Foundationsince 2002 | $1.2M82 grants · 2024 | $6,750 | Preselected only | $20M |
| Aa Harvey Foundationsince 2019 | $1.0M49 grants · 2024 | $5,000 | Preselected only | $12M |
| Mg Nelson Family Foundationsince 2015 | $972K31 grants · 2025 | $5,000 | Yes | $21M |
| Dale and Deborah Smith Foundationsince 2022 | $865K8 grants · 2025 | $30K | Preselected only | $11M |
| Coghill Family Foundationsince 2003 | $674K26 grants · 2024 | $25K | Preselected only | $12M |
| Henry M Staley Declaration of Charitable Trustsince 1966 | $443K47 grants · 2025 | $3,000 | Preselected only | $4.1M |
| Sally Lorraine Sedlak Vaughan Irrv Charitable Trsince 2014 | $435K13 grants · 2025 | $30K | Preselected only | $5.4M |
| Marion G & Barbara W Nelson Private Foundationsince 1990 | $350K3 grants · 2025 | $100K | Yes | $16M |
| James Orlandini Foundationsince 2019 | $254K20 grants · 2025 | $10K | Preselected only | $6.8M |
| Melvin D Wing Charitable Trsince 2021 | $173K1 grants · 2025 | $173K | Yes | $1.3M |
| The Noble Foundationsince 1998 | $106K4 grants · 2025 | $20K | Yes | $1.2M |
| Clarence W & Ida W Klassen Charitable Foundationsince 2007 | $99K3 grants · 2025 | $16K | Preselected only | $1.7M |
| Mitchell Cutler Charitable Trsince 2008 | $60K5 grants · 2024 | $5,000 | Preselected only | $1.5M |
| Laborers Midwest Region Scholarship Fundsince 2004 | $35K6 grants · 2025 | $5,000 | Preselected only | $1.8M |
| Heartland Bank and Trustsince 1983 | $30K5 grants · 2025 | $5,000 | Yes | $1.6M |
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 Springfield, Illinois?
Our directory lists 15 private grantmaking foundations in Springfield, Illinois with at least $1 million in assets, holding a combined $117M. 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.