Edlis - Neeson Foundation NFP
Preselected recipients only
Edlis - Neeson Foundation NFP is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $10.8 million in 13 grants; the typical grant was $83,750 and the largest $9.0 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$10.8 million
- Number of grants13
- Typical grant$83,750
- Largest grant$9.0 million
- Assets$24.1 million
- New grantees8%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.4 million the year before.
8% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.7 million | 14 | $14.8 million |
| 2024 | $1.4 million | 16 | $14.0 million |
| 2025 | $10.8 million | 13 | $24.1 million |
How to apply
Edlis - Neeson Foundation NFP 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 Edlis - Neeson Foundation NFP funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 4 | $9.8 million |
| Colorado | 4 | $816,800 |
| New York | 3 | $115,750 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $85,500 |
| Wyoming | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Museum of Contemporary Art | Unrestricted | $9.0 million |
| Lyric Opera of Chicago | Unrestricted | $528,000 |
| Aspen Art Museum | Unrestricted | $480,000 |
| Aspen Music Festival | Unrestricted | $329,300 |
| Museum of Contemporary Art | Unrestricted | $200,000 |
| The Aspen Institute | Unrestricted | $85,500 |
| New Museum | Unrestricted | $83,750 |
| Renaissance Society | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Whitney Museum of American Art | Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| Tate Americas Foundation | Unrestricted | $12,000 |
| Circle of Hope - Wellspring Health Access (87-1195144) | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Anderson Ranch Art Center | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Aspen Public Radio | Unrestricted | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Heather Gael Neeson
- D Thomas Dunton
- Rebecca Donelson
Questions people ask
Does Edlis - Neeson Foundation NFP accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Edlis - Neeson Foundation NFP give?
$10.8 million in tax year 2025, across 13 grants, with a typical grant of $83,750.
Who runs Edlis - Neeson Foundation NFP?
Its 2025 filing lists Heather Gael Neeson (President), D Thomas Dunton (Director) and Rebecca Donelson (Director).
What does Edlis - Neeson Foundation NFP fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture.