Barbara Bluhm-Kaul Foundation (F/K/A Mayfair Foundation)
Preselected recipients only
Barbara Bluhm-Kaul Foundation (F/K/A Mayfair Foundation) is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $860,240 in 25 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $500,000. 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$860,240
- Number of grants25
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$500,000
- Assets$17,612
- New grantees55%
Giving in 2025 was down from $1.0 million the year before.
55% 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 | $657,951 | 27 | $22,348 |
| 2024 | $1.0 million | 16 | $22,730 |
| 2025 | $860,240 | 25 | $17,612 |
How to apply
Barbara Bluhm-Kaul Foundation (F/K/A Mayfair 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 Barbara Bluhm-Kaul Foundation (F/K/A Mayfair Foundation) funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to Colorado.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 5 | $572,125 |
| Illinois | 13 | $192,670 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $50,000 |
| California | 2 | $44,600 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | $500 |
| Kentucky | 1 | $200 |
| New York | 1 | $145 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Aspen Art Museum | Bd of trustees & nat council | $500,000 |
| Jewish United Fund | Pledge 3 of 5 communal | $50,000 |
| Orange County Museum of Art | Board of trustees | $35,000 |
| Art Institute of Chicago | Board of trustees annual gift | $30,000 |
| Museum of Contemporary Art | Annual fund & art auction | $28,000 |
| People for the American Way Foundation | 2025 bd donation | $25,000 |
| Washington Institute for Near East Policy | 2025 trusteeship | $25,000 |
| Aspen Art Museum | Bd of trustees & nat council | $24,825 |
| Art Institute of Chicago | Dept of photography | $20,000 |
| Aspen Art Museum | Bd of trustees & nat council | $20,000 |
| Aspen Music Festival & School | Special gift | $20,000 |
| Chicago Cares | 2025 contribution | $20,000 |
| Smart Museum of Art | Theater gates at the smart | $15,000 |
| Orange County Museum of Art | Donation | $9,600 |
| Aspen Music Festival & School | In honor gael neeson | $7,300 |
| Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Governing members fund | $5,000 |
| Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education | Membership | $5,000 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | Miles crown hall americas price | $5,000 |
| Joint Action Committee Education | 2025 contribution | $5,000 |
| The Joffrey Ballet | Honoring fred eychaner | $5,000 |
| Chicago Sinai Congregation | Membership 2025/2026 | $4,070 |
| Chicago Botanic Garden | 2022 membership & gift | $600 |
| Chabad Jewish Community Center | Ski2liveprogram | $500 |
| The Ark | Food pantry | $200 |
| The Jewish Museum | Membership | $145 |
Officers and trustees
- Barbara Bluhm-Kaul
Questions people ask
Does Barbara Bluhm-Kaul Foundation (F/K/A Mayfair Foundation) accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Barbara Bluhm-Kaul Foundation (F/K/A Mayfair Foundation) give?
$860,240 in tax year 2025, across 25 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs Barbara Bluhm-Kaul Foundation (F/K/A Mayfair Foundation)?
Its 2025 filing lists Barbara Bluhm-Kaul (Trustee).
What does Barbara Bluhm-Kaul Foundation (F/K/A Mayfair Foundation) fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, faith communities and education.