Blazer Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Blazer Foundation is a private foundation in Rockford, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.4 million in 24 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $702,000. 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$1.4 million
- Number of grants24
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$702,000
- Assets$23.1 million
- New grantees46%
Giving in 2025 was up from $922,216 the year before.
46% 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 | $911,557 | 18 | $20.0 million |
| 2024 | $922,216 | 25 | $21.3 million |
| 2025 | $1.4 million | 24 | $23.1 million |
How to apply
Blazer 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Blazer Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 23 | $1.4 million |
| Washington | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Rockford Park District | Charitable | $702,000 |
| Midway Village | Charitable | $268,500 |
| Gigi's Playhouse | Educational | $104,890 |
| Laurent House | Charitable | $75,500 |
| 205 Direct Dental Services | Medical | $50,000 |
| Barbara Olson Center of Hope | Charitable | $40,000 |
| Milestone Inc | Medical | $28,500 |
| Walter Lawson | Social welfare | $22,324 |
| Golden Apple Foundation | Educational | $21,149 |
| Special Olympics Illinois | Charitable | $12,300 |
| Discovery Center Museum | Charitable | $11,000 |
| Regional Access & Mobilization Project | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Christian Life Schools | Edcuational | $10,000 |
| Pec Playhouse Theatre | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Tommy Corral Memorial Foundation | Educational | $10,000 |
| Fish Abled Foundation | Charitable | $7,500 |
| Hope Reigns Ranch | Charitable | $5,970 |
| Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County | Chariable | $5,000 |
| Rosecrance Foundation | Medical | $5,000 |
| World Vision | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Easterseals | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Shady Oaks Camp | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity of Winnebago County | Charitable | $4,000 |
| RSM Foundation - Girls on the Run | Charitable | $3,500 |
Officers and trustees
- James W Keeling
- Mark Blazer
- Tara Blazer
- Shendet Ismajlaj
Questions people ask
Does Blazer Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Blazer Foundation give?
$1.4 million in tax year 2025, across 24 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Blazer Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists James W Keeling (President), Mark Blazer (Vice President), Tara Blazer (Director) and Shendet Ismajlaj (Treasurer/Secretary).
What does Blazer Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, health and arts and culture.