Updated Oct 30, 2026
Private foundations based in Wilmette, Illinois
16 grantmaking foundations headquartered in Wilmette, Illinois, holding $89M in assets. Ranked by grants paid in their latest 990-PF; 2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Liegl Family Foundation Incsince 2009 | $1.1M7 grants · 2024 | $11K | Preselected only | $49M |
| Sedge Plitt Charitable Tr IIIsince 2004 | $917K18 grants · 2024 | $10K | Preselected only | $6.5M |
| Dolan Family Foundationsince 2000 | $634K31 grants · 2025 | $4,000 | Preselected only | $3.6M |
| Mirapaul Foundationsince 1989 | $362K61 grants · 2024 | $3,000 | Yes | $3.8M |
| Trotter Family Foundationsince 1995 | $225K2 grants · 2025 | $113K | Preselected only | $2.1M |
| Pais Foundationsince 1998 | $178K5 grants · 2025 | $50K | Preselected only | $2.6M |
| Geraldi Norton Foundationsince 1958 | $173K34 grants · 2024 | $1,500 | Yes | $2.2M |
| Hoghton Fam Charitable Trsince 1995 | $138K1 grants · 2024 | $138K | Preselected only | $3.7M |
| Robert a & Shirley J Jones Foundationsince 1998 | $137K28 grants · 2024 | $3,000 | Preselected only | $1.8M |
| Herbert C Wenske Foundationsince 1957 | $122K16 grants · 2025 | $5,000 | Preselected only | $3.0M |
| Stephen J & Deirdre Nardi Charitable Foundationsince 2015 | $97K11 grants · 2025 | $5,000 | Preselected only | $2.1M |
| Edith-Marie Appleton Foundationsince 2000 | $95K6 grants · 2024 | $6,250 | Preselected only | $3.4M |
| Tom and Barbara Lyon Family Foundationsince 2006 | $85K8 grants · 2025 | $15K | Preselected only | $1.2M |
| Mueller Fam Charitable Trsince 2006 | $80K7 grants · 2025 | $8,194 | Preselected only | $1.8M |
| Thorne Family Foundationsince 1997 | $68K15 grants · 2025 | $2,500 | Preselected only | $1.1M |
| John J Neary Charitable Foundationsince 2024 | $60K3 grants · 2024 | $60K | Preselected only | $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 Wilmette, Illinois?
Our directory lists 16 private grantmaking foundations in Wilmette, Illinois with at least $1 million in assets, holding a combined $89M. 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.