Bickner Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Bickner Family Foundation is a private foundation in Sycamore, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $189,750 in 18 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $56,000. 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$189,750
- Number of grants18
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$56,000
- Assets$3.0 million
- New grantees56%
Giving in 2025 was up from $124,750 the year before.
56% 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 | $196,000 | 20 | $2.6 million |
| 2024 | $124,750 | 14 | $2.8 million |
| 2025 | $189,750 | 18 | $3.0 million |
How to apply
Bickner Family 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 Bickner Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 11 | $143,250 |
| Michigan | 4 | $35,000 |
| Wisconsin | 2 | $10,000 |
| California | 1 | $1,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Dekalb County Community Foundation | Unrestricted | $56,000 |
| Hillcrest Covenant Church | Unrestricted | $48,000 |
| Family Service Foundation | Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| Sycamore United Methodist Church | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Northwestern Medical | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| University of Michigan | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Evangelical Covenant Church | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Covenant Harbor | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Covenant Point | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| University of Michigan Kinesiology | Unristricted | $5,000 |
| University of Michigan Water Polo | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| North Park University | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Hope Haven | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Northern Illinois Hospice | Unrestricted | $2,000 |
| Silverlake Conservitory of Music | Unrestricted | $1,500 |
| Intervarsity Christian Fellowship | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Kishwaukee YMCA | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Good Fellows Dekalbsycamore | Unrestricted | $250 |
Officers and trustees
- Joan A Bickner
- Brian P Bickner
- Kevin C Bickner
- Julie A Bickner
Questions people ask
Does Bickner Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Bickner Family Foundation give?
$189,750 in tax year 2025, across 18 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Bickner Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Joan A Bickner (President/Di), Brian P Bickner (Secretary/Di), Kevin C Bickner (Treasurer/Di) and Julie A Bickner (Vp/Director).
What does Bickner Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, education and health.