Bramsen Charitable Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Bramsen Charitable Foundation is a private foundation in Barrington, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $2.2 million in 5 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $2.0 million. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$2.2 million
- Number of grants5
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$2.0 million
- Assets$15.3 million
- New grantees20%
Giving in 2025 was down from $6.0 million the year before.
20% 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 | $49,000 | 4 | $14.4 million |
| 2024 | $6.0 million | 8 | $12.5 million |
| 2025 | $2.2 million | 5 | $15.3 million |
How to apply
Bramsen Charitable 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.
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 5 | $2.2 million |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Zoological Society | Operating Needs | $2.0 million |
| Home Centered Care Institute | Operating Needs | $180,000 |
| Meals on Wheels Foundation | Operating Needs | $10,000 |
| Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center | Operating Needs | $4,000 |
| Barrington History Museum | Operating Needs | $250 |
Officers and trustees
- James E Bramsen
- Elizabeth C Bramsen
- Eliza L Kerr
Questions people ask
Does Bramsen Charitable Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Bramsen Charitable Foundation give?
$2.2 million in tax year 2025, across 5 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Bramsen Charitable Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists James E Bramsen (Trustee), Elizabeth C Bramsen (Successor Trustee) and Eliza L Kerr (Successor Trustee).