Dr Petra and Owen Rissman Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Dr Petra and Owen Rissman Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $273,600 in 15 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $75,000. 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$273,600
- Number of grants15
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$75,000
- Assets$6.2 million
- New grantees47%
Giving in 2025 was up from $196,300 the year before.
47% 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 | $236,000 | 16 | $5.5 million |
| 2024 | $196,300 | 12 | $5.9 million |
| 2025 | $273,600 | 15 | $6.2 million |
How to apply
Dr Petra and Owen Rissman 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 Dr Petra and Owen Rissman Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 13 | $241,100 |
| Maryland | 1 | $30,000 |
| California | 1 | $2,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University | General operations | $75,000 |
| Northwestern Memorial Fund | General operations | $50,000 |
| Doctors Without Borders | General operations | $30,000 |
| UNICEF | General operations | $30,000 |
| University of Chicago | General operations | $30,000 |
| Lurie Children's Hospital | General operations | $25,000 |
| Chicago Symphony Orchestra | General operations | $10,000 |
| Lyric Opera | General operations | $10,000 |
| Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters | General operations | $2,500 |
| Sweetwater Spectrum | General operations | $2,500 |
| Historic Preservation Foundation | General operations | $2,000 |
| Music of the Baroque | General operations | $2,000 |
| Sacred Heart | General operations | $2,000 |
| Chicago Botanic Garden | General operations | $1,500 |
| Art Institute of Chicago | General operations | $1,100 |
Officers and trustees
- Petra Rissman
- Benjamin Rissman
- Patrick McKenna
Questions people ask
Does Dr Petra and Owen Rissman Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Dr Petra and Owen Rissman Foundation give?
$273,600 in tax year 2025, across 15 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Dr Petra and Owen Rissman Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Petra Rissman (Director), Benjamin Rissman (Director) and Patrick McKenna (Director).
What does Dr Petra and Owen Rissman Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, international and arts and culture.