Berlin Family Fund
Preselected recipients only
Berlin Family Fund is a private foundation in Winnetka, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.2 million in 15 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 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$1.2 million
- Number of grants15
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$500,000
- Assets$136,552
- New grantees80%
Giving in 2025 was down from $1.8 million the year before.
80% 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 | $255,700 | 35 | $2.5 million |
| 2024 | $1.8 million | 39 | $2.4 million |
| 2025 | $1.2 million | 15 | $136,552 |
How to apply
Berlin Family Fund 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 Berlin Family Fund funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 8 | $720,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $500,000 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | $20,000 |
| Florida | 4 | $5,500 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Princeton University | Unrestricted | $500,000 |
| New Trier Educational Foundation | Unrestricted | $300,000 |
| Winnetka Parks Foundation | Unrestricted | $220,000 |
| Winnetka Community House | Unrestricted | $120,000 |
| Winnetka Congregational Church | Unrestricted | $40,000 |
| Beloit College | Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| Friends of the Library - Winnetka-Northfield | Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| Indian Hill Scholarship Fund | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Mobile Care Chicago | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Vander Cook College of Music | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Human Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County | Unrestricted | $2,000 |
| Indian River Habitat for Humanity | Unrestricted | $2,000 |
| Youth Guidance Mentoring Acedemy Indian River | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Feed the Lambs - Vero Beach | Unrestricted | $500 |
| The Sea Notes Choral Society | Unrestricted | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Arnold M Berlin
- Ann R Berlin
- A Mark Berlin Jr
Questions people ask
Does Berlin Family Fund accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Berlin Family Fund give?
$1.2 million in tax year 2025, across 15 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Berlin Family Fund?
Its 2025 filing lists Arnold M Berlin (President/Director), Ann R Berlin (Secretary/Director) and A Mark Berlin Jr (Director).
What does Berlin Family Fund fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and environment and conservation.