CMB Foundation
Preselected recipients only
CMB Foundation is a private foundation in Mettawa, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $302,575 in 78 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $30,000. 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$302,575
- Number of grants78
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$30,000
- Assets$6.7 million
- New grantees26%
Giving in 2025 was up from $271,800 the year before.
26% 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 | $208,563 | 70 | $4.9 million |
| 2024 | $271,800 | 78 | $5.7 million |
| 2025 | $302,575 | 78 | $6.7 million |
How to apply
CMB 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 CMB Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 13 states, the most to Illinois. It also paid $25,000 in 1 grant to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 25 | $120,230 |
| Florida | 24 | $86,450 |
| Virginia | 4 | $17,000 |
| Connecticut | 5 | $16,000 |
| New York | 7 | $12,000 |
| Ohio | 2 | $10,100 |
| California | 2 | $5,250 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $3,500 |
| Tennessee | 2 | $2,045 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $2,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| School of the Art Institute of Chicago | Educational | $30,000 |
| Everglades Foundation | Conservation | $30,000 |
| Atlantic Salmon Federation | Conservation | $25,000 |
| Cystic Fibrosis Foundation | Medical Research | $20,000 |
| Lake Forest College | Educational | $20,000 |
| 1000 Friends of Florida | Florida Conservation | $10,000 |
| Cleveland Clinic Martin South Hospital | Health | $10,000 |
| Ely Chapman Educational Foundation | Educational | $10,000 |
| Navy Seal Foundation | Support for Veterans | $10,000 |
| Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation | Conservation | $7,500 |
| Church of the Holy Spirit | Humanitarian and Religious | $6,430 |
| Art Institute of Chicago | Educational | $6,000 |
| Jupiter Island Medical Clinic | Medical | $6,000 |
| Yale Alumni Fund | Educational | $5,500 |
| Sea Shepherd Conservation Society | Ocean Conservation | $5,000 |
| Teach For America | Educational | $5,000 |
| Tisch MS Research Center of NY | Medical | $5,000 |
| Choate Rosemary Hall | Educational | $5,000 |
| Conservation Fund | Conservation | $5,000 |
| Bonefish and Tarpon Trust | Conservation | $5,000 |
| Christ Memorial Chapel | Humanitarian and Religious | $4,200 |
| United States Golf Association | Civic | $3,500 |
| Buckley Institute | Education | $3,500 |
| The Women's Board of Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital | Medical | $2,800 |
| Natural Resources Defence Council | Conservation | $2,500 |
| Lake Forest Cemetery | Historic Cemetery | $2,500 |
| Macular Degeneration Association | Medical | $2,500 |
| Evans Scholars Foundation | Education | $2,500 |
| Golden Apple Award EWA | Education | $2,500 |
| Hobe Sound Community Chest | Humanitarian Aid | $2,500 |
| Town Employees Christmas FundTown of Jupiter Island | Civic | $2,000 |
| Chicago Botanic Gardens | Conservation | $2,000 |
| Guardians of Martin County | Florida Conservation | $2,000 |
| WTTW 11 | Civic | $1,500 |
| Ducks Unlimited | Conservation | $1,045 |
| Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA) | Ocean Conservation | $1,000 |
| Old Elm Scholarship Foundation | Educational | $1,000 |
| Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter | Animal Welfare | $1,000 |
| PAWS - Chicago | Humanitarian | $1,000 |
| Noah's Rest Inc | Animal Shelter | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Charles M Brennan
- Mary Brennan
Questions people ask
Does CMB Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does CMB Foundation give?
$302,575 in tax year 2025, across 78 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs CMB Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Charles M Brennan (Trustee) and Mary Brennan (Trustee).
What does CMB Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, education and health.