Bobolink Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Bobolink Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2024 it gave $19.8 million in 44 grants; the typical grant was $30,000 and the largest $7.0 million. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$19.8 million
- Number of grants44
- Typical grant$30,000
- Largest grant$7.0 million
- Assets$345 million
- New grantees17%
Giving in 2024 was up from $14.3 million the year before.
17% of its 2024 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 | $14.3 million | 49 | $320 million |
| 2024 | $19.8 million | 44 | $345 million |
How to apply
Bobolink 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 Bobolink Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 15 states, the most to Virginia. It also paid $30,000 in 1 grant to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 4 | $14.2 million |
| Texas | 1 | $2.3 million |
| Illinois | 10 | $800,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $685,736 |
| Georgia | 7 | $485,000 |
| New York | 2 | $355,000 |
| Oregon | 4 | $305,000 |
| District of Columbia | 4 | $275,000 |
| Colorado | 4 | $160,000 |
| Arizona | 1 | $150,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Rainforest Trust | Taquari $5M, Choc $2M | $7.0 million |
| The Nature Conservancy | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $7.0 million |
| Re Wild | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $2.3 million |
| New Venture Fund | Andes Amazon Fund capacity building | $685,736 |
| Friends of the Forest Preserves | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $450,000 |
| Friends of BirdLife International Inc | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $305,000 |
| Oregon Desert Land Trust | Trout Creek stewardship endowment | $280,000 |
| One Hundred Miles | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $275,000 |
| Osa Conservation | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $200,000 |
| The Field Museum | Keller Science Action Center / Latin America | $200,000 |
| American Bird Conservancy | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $150,000 |
| Borderlands Restoration Network | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $150,000 |
| The Orianne Society | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $135,000 |
| Bird Conservancy of the Rockies | Sustainable Grazing Network in MX / Roadmap | $115,000 |
| Openlands | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $75,000 |
| BirdNote | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $50,000 |
| Cornell Lab of Ornithology | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $50,000 |
| International Crane Foundation | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $50,000 |
| World Wildlife Fund | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $50,000 |
| Citizens for Conservation | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $30,000 |
| Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation | Stewards of the GA Coast operating expenses | $30,000 |
| Oncafari Association | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $30,000 |
| Southern Environmental Law Center | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $30,000 |
| Grey Matters Project | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $20,000 |
| Cal-Wood Education Center | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $15,000 |
| Island Press | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $15,000 |
| Keystone Science School | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $15,000 |
| Thorne Nature Experience | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $15,000 |
| Environmental Law and Policy Center | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $10,000 |
| Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $10,000 |
| High Desert Museum | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $10,000 |
| National Parks Conservation Association | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $10,000 |
| Openlands | Platinum Sponsor / no goods or services provided | $10,000 |
| St Simon's Land Trust | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $10,000 |
| The Georgia Natural Resources Foundation | Weekend for Wildlife | $10,000 |
| Wild Salmon Center | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $10,000 |
| Biodiversity Funders Group | FAB dues | $5,000 |
| Birds Caribbean | 2024 Conference Support | $5,000 |
| Bonefish Tarpon Trust | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $5,000 |
| Coastal Georgia Historical Society | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Henry M Paulson Jr
- Wendy J Paulson
- Henry Merritt Paulson III
- Amanda Clark Paulson
- Justin Pepper
Questions people ask
Does Bobolink Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Bobolink Foundation give?
$19.8 million in tax year 2024, across 44 grants, with a typical grant of $30,000.
Who runs Bobolink Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Henry M Paulson Jr (Trustee/Part Time), Wendy J Paulson (Trustee/Part Time), Henry Merritt Paulson III (Trustee/Part Time) and Amanda Clark Paulson (Trustee/Part Time) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does Bobolink Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, international and arts and culture.