125 Foundation
Preselected recipients only
125 Foundation is a private foundation in Barrington, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $505,000 in 8 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 and the largest $150,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$505,000
- Number of grants8
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$150,000
- Assets$2.2 million
- New grantees75%
Giving in 2025 was down from $640,000 the year before.
75% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $551,100 | 13 | $481,876 |
| 2024 | $640,000 | 11 | $1.0 million |
| 2025 | $505,000 | 8 | $2.2 million |
How to apply
125 Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What 125 Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 7 | $480,000 |
| Indiana | 1 | $25,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Holy Family Ministries | Faith-based educational opportunities for children, youth, and families | $150,000 |
| Chicago Youth Centers | Childhood education and development | $100,000 |
| Greater Chicago Food Depository | Food depository and emergency food assistance | $100,000 |
| Lutheran Social Services of Illinois | Community services | $50,000 |
| White Stork - United States LTD | Ukraine relief | $50,000 |
| Church World Service Inc | Faith-based emergency response and relief | $25,000 |
| University of Illinois Foundation | Education initiatives | $20,000 |
| Chicago Bible Society | To provide free or low-cost bibles and promote increased reading of the bible | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- James T Murphy
- Kathryn E Murphy
- Benjamin M Murphy
- William J Murphy
Questions people ask
Does 125 Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does 125 Foundation give?
$505,000 in tax year 2025, across 8 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs 125 Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists James T Murphy (Trustee), Kathryn E Murphy (Trustee), Benjamin M Murphy (Trustee) and William J Murphy (Trustee).
What does 125 Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly human services, education and youth programs.