Foundations that fund organizations in Chicago, California
Worked out from where the grants went, not where the foundations sit.
Funding landscape for Chicago nonprofits
9 private foundations gave $318K to Chicago organizations in their latest filings; 0 of the 9 that say either way accept applications.
15 grants in total, with a typical foundation's median grant to Chicago around $5,000. 1 of these funders are based in California; the rest give here from elsewhere.
- Foundations giving here
- 9
- Accept applications
- 0
- of 9 that state a policy
- Dollars to Chicago
- $318K
- latest filings
- Grants
- 15
- Typical median grant
- $5,000
- Based in CA
- 11%
- of funders listed
Funders, by dollars given to Chicago organizations
| Foundation | Based in | Grants here | Dollars here | Median | Accepts applications | Typical purposes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepsico Foundation Inc | Purchase, NY | 1 | $250K | $250K | Preselected only | General Support |
| Macdonald-Peterson Foundation | Houston, TX | 1 | $28K | $28K | Preselected only | General fund |
| Full Circle Family Foundation | Skokie, IL | 1 | $15K | $15K | Preselected only | To further the mission of the donee |
| Sally Mead Hands Foundation | Madison, WI | 1 | $10K | $10K | Preselected only | Operating funds |
| The Klingenstein Third Generation Foundation | New York, NY | 1 | $5,000 | $5,000 | Preselected only | Medical school program |
| Baxter International Foundation | Deerfield, IL | 7 | $4,100 | $450 | Preselected only | Matching gifts |
| Trustmark Foundation | Lake Forest, IL | 1 | $2,500 | $2,500 | Preselected only | Contribution provided |
| Helmsmanshipinc | Chicago, IL | 1 | $2,500 | $2,500 | Preselected only | Non profit organization |
| Tong & Danielle Family Foundation | Granite Bay, CA | 1 | $1,000 | $1,000 | Preselected only | Donation |
Source: IRS Form 990-PF Part XV, latest electronic return per foundation (2026-10-28). "Accepts applications" reflects the foundation's own checkbox on Part XV line 2. Grants to individuals excluded.
Common questions
Which foundations give to nonprofits in Chicago, California?
Pepsico Foundation Inc, Macdonald-Peterson Foundation, Full Circle Family Foundation, Sally Mead Hands Foundation, The Klingenstein Third Generation Foundation and 4 others reported grants to Chicago organizations on their latest Form 990-PF.
How do I approach a foundation that doesn't accept applications?
A foundation that checks "contributes only to preselected organizations" on its 990-PF won't review a cold proposal. Look at who it funds, find a shared board member, grantee or advisor, and ask for an introduction. Foundations that accept applications usually list a contact and deadlines in Part XV; we show that text on each foundation's page.
Is this list complete?
No. It covers private foundations (Form 990-PF filers) whose latest electronic return lists at least one grant to an organization in Chicago. Community foundations and corporate giving programs file different forms and are not included yet.