Chern Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Chern Family Foundation is a private foundation in Northbrook, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.1 million in 15 grants; the typical grant was $20,000 and the largest $327,670. 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$1.1 million
- Number of grants15
- Typical grant$20,000
- Largest grant$327,670
- Assets$843,796
- New grantees53%
Giving in 2025 was down from $1.1 million the year before.
53% 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 | $343,284 | 11 | $1.1 million |
| 2024 | $1.1 million | 11 | $804,855 |
| 2025 | $1.1 million | 15 | $843,796 |
How to apply
Chern 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 Chern Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to District of Columbia.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 3 | $454,218 |
| New York | 3 | $343,170 |
| Illinois | 8 | $307,836 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $5,113 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Autism Speaks | Donation towards exempt purpose | $327,670 |
| Third Way Institute | Donation towards exempt purpose | $250,899 |
| A Better Chicago | Donation towards exempt purpose | $126,690 |
| American Israel Education Foundation | Donation towards exempt purpose | $102,698 |
| Northwestern Memorial Foundation | Donation towards exempt purpose | $102,292 |
| Finca International Inc | Donation towards exempt purpose | $100,621 |
| Camp Out for Kids | Donation towards exempt purpose | $25,000 |
| Childrens Hospital Chicago Foundation | Donation towards exempt purpose | $20,000 |
| Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago | Donation towards exempt purpose | $15,000 |
| Jewish United Fund | Donation towards exempt purpose | $10,250 |
| American Friends of Magen David Adom | Donation towards exempt purpose | $10,000 |
| Israel Cancer Research Fund | Donation towards exempt purpose | $5,500 |
| The Giving Back Fund | Donation towards exempt purpose | $5,113 |
| Gigi's Playhouse Chicago | Donation towards exempt purpose | $5,000 |
| Bethel United Ministries | Donation towards exempt purpose | $3,604 |
Officers and trustees
- Eric Chern
- Laura Chern
- Allen Shulman
Questions people ask
Does Chern Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Chern Family Foundation give?
$1.1 million in tax year 2025, across 15 grants, with a typical grant of $20,000.
Who runs Chern Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Eric Chern (President), Laura Chern (Secretary/Treasurer) and Allen Shulman (Director).
What does Chern Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, health and faith communities.