Bertha Lebus Charitable Trust
Preselected recipients only
Bertha Lebus Charitable Trust is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $220,099 in 46 grants; the typical grant was $3,000 and the largest $15,000. 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$220,099
- Number of grants46
- Typical grant$3,000
- Largest grant$15,000
- Assets$4.9 million
- New grantees22%
Giving in 2025 was up from $213,403 the year before.
22% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $195,000 | 41 | $4.3 million |
| 2024 | $213,403 | 44 | $4.4 million |
| 2025 | $220,099 | 46 | $4.9 million |
How to apply
Bertha Lebus Charitable Trust 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 Bertha Lebus Charitable Trust funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 13 states, the most to Kentucky.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 17 | $84,000 |
| Illinois | 11 | $66,000 |
| New Jersey | 2 | $12,500 |
| California | 3 | $10,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $9,800 |
| Tennessee | 2 | $7,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $6,299 |
| Michigan | 2 | $6,000 |
| New York | 3 | $5,500 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Kentucky | K-fund | $15,000 |
| Ephraim McDowell Markey Cancer Center | General support | $15,000 |
| Family Service Center | General support | $15,000 |
| University of Chicago | Oriental institute | $10,000 |
| Lawrenceville School | General support | $10,000 |
| Battle Grove Cemetery | Memorial garden | $10,000 |
| Saint Andrews School | General support | $10,000 |
| University of Denver | General support | $9,800 |
| Maysville Community College | General support | $8,000 |
| Parkinson's Foundation | General support | $6,299 |
| St Edwards Catholic School | General support | $6,000 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters | General support | $5,000 |
| The Lexington School | General support | $5,000 |
| Bluegrass Care Navigators | Cynthiana campus | $5,000 |
| Catholic Charities | General support | $5,000 |
| Evangelical Lutheran Church in America | General support | $5,000 |
| Marillac St Vincent Family Services | General support | $5,000 |
| Evans Scholars Foundation | General support | $5,000 |
| Big Shoulders Fund | General support | $5,000 |
| Mayo Clinic | Scad research | $5,000 |
| Centre College | General support | $5,000 |
| Keeling Curve Foundation | General support | $5,000 |
| Cynthiana-Harrison Co Museum | General support | $3,000 |
| Harrison Memorial Hospital | Community education | $3,000 |
| Lexington Hearing and Speech Center | General support | $3,000 |
| Humane Society of Harrison Co | General support | $3,000 |
| Hosparus | General support | $3,000 |
| Rohs Theater Company | Cynthiana theater | $3,000 |
| Cares Foundation Inc | General support | $2,500 |
| Roswell Presbuterian Preschool | General support | $2,500 |
| Compass Rose Society | General support | $2,500 |
| John Muir Elementary Foundation | General support | $2,500 |
| Lachsa | General support | $2,500 |
| Our Lady of Perpetual Help | General support | $2,000 |
| Chicago Botanic Garden | General support | $2,000 |
| Wbez | General support | $2,000 |
| WTTW | General support | $2,000 |
| Lexington Theatre Company | General support | $2,000 |
| Ket - Kentucky Educational TV Fdn | General support | $2,000 |
| Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor | General support | $1,250 |
Officers and trustees
- Northern Trust Company
- Earl Robbins
- Therese Hianik
- Frazer D Lebus Jr
Questions people ask
Does Bertha Lebus Charitable Trust accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Bertha Lebus Charitable Trust give?
$220,099 in tax year 2025, across 46 grants, with a typical grant of $3,000.
Who runs Bertha Lebus Charitable Trust?
Its 2025 filing lists Northern Trust Company (Trustee), Earl Robbins (Director), Therese Hianik (Director) and Frazer D Lebus Jr (Director).
What does Bertha Lebus Charitable Trust fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, health and faith communities.