Determan Balk Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Determan Balk Family Foundation is a private foundation in Lake Forest, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $144,500 in 20 grants; the typical grant was $7,500 and the largest $25,000. 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$144,500
- Number of grants20
- Typical grant$7,500
- Largest grant$25,000
- Assets$3.3 million
- New grantees70%
Giving in 2025 was down from $146,040 the year before.
70% 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 | $128,758 | 20 | $3.2 million |
| 2024 | $146,040 | 23 | $3.2 million |
| 2025 | $144,500 | 20 | $3.3 million |
How to apply
Determan Balk 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 Determan Balk Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 9 | $93,500 |
| New York | 9 | $48,000 |
| Iowa | 1 | $2,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern College of Arts & Sciences | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Northern Illinois Food Bank | Unrestricted | $15,000 |
| Ragdale Foundation | Unrestricted | $15,000 |
| Refugee One | Unrestricted | $15,000 |
| Adirondack Community Foundation | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Cornell Engineering | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Gorton Community Center | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Michigan State University | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Pendragon Theater | Unresticted | $10,000 |
| Wild Center | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Upper Saranac Lake Foundation | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Church of the Holy Spirit Food Pantry | Unrestricted | $2,500 |
| North Scott High School | Unrestricted | $2,000 |
| Adirondack Rail Trail Association | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Foundation at PCK | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Historic Saranac Lake | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory | Unrestricted | $500 |
| Columbia Law School | Unrestricted | $500 |
| Deerpath Garden Club | Unrestricted | $500 |
| Wbez Chicago Public Media | Unrestricted | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Nathaniel Balk
- Thomas Balk
- Lance Balk
- Henry Balk
- Margaret Determan
Questions people ask
Does Determan Balk Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Determan Balk Family Foundation give?
$144,500 in tax year 2025, across 20 grants, with a typical grant of $7,500.
Who runs Determan Balk Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Nathaniel Balk (Vice President), Thomas Balk (Treasurer), Lance Balk (President) and Henry Balk (Vice President) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does Determan Balk Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, science and research and arts and culture.