Ernsteen Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Ernsteen Family Foundation is a private foundation in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $43,942 in 71 grants; the typical grant was $500 and the largest $2,500. 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$43,942
- Number of grants71
- Typical grant$500
- Largest grant$2,500
- Assets$427,686
- New grantees6%
Giving in 2025 was down from $44,600 the year before.
6% 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 | $43,800 | 76 | $392,726 |
| 2024 | $44,600 | 76 | $417,878 |
| 2025 | $43,942 | 71 | $427,686 |
How to apply
Ernsteen 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 Ernsteen Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 21 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 24 | $18,842 |
| New York | 15 | $7,525 |
| District of Columbia | 4 | $3,200 |
| New Jersey | 3 | $2,050 |
| Massachusetts | 3 | $1,750 |
| Ohio | 2 | $1,250 |
| Virginia | 2 | $1,250 |
| California | 3 | $1,175 |
| Wisconsin | 2 | $1,000 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's Association | Unrestricted | $2,500 |
| World Wildlife Fund | Unrestricted | $2,200 |
| Congregation Beth Judea | Unrestricted | $1,942 |
| Camp Ramah | Unrestricted | $1,500 |
| Greater Chicago Food Depository | Unrestricted | $1,500 |
| MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation Inc) | Unrestricted | $1,250 |
| The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society | Unrestricted | $1,250 |
| Planned Parenthood of Illinois | Unrestricted | $1,075 |
| Anti-Defamation League | Unrestricted | $1,050 |
| Habitat for Humanity Lake County Il | Unrestricted | $1,050 |
| American Diabetes Association | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| American Heart Association Inc | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Congregation B'nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Curry College | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| St Jude Children's Research Hospital | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Total Link 2 Community | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Macular Degeneration Research (Brightfocus Foundation) | Unrestricted | $900 |
| American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) | Unrestricted | $825 |
| Feeding America | Unrestricted | $750 |
| Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center | Unrestricted | $750 |
| Les Turner ALS Foundation | Unrestricted | $750 |
| North Lawndale College Prep | Unrestricted | $750 |
| Pathways for Achievement | Unrestrcited | $750 |
| Wildlife Conservation Network Inc - Save Elephants | Unrestricted | $575 |
| American Cancer Society | Unrestricted | $500 |
| Feed the Children | Unrestricted | $500 |
| Hadassah | Unrestricted | $500 |
| Midwest Austrailian Sheperd Rescue | Unrestricted | $500 |
| National Kidney Foundation | Unrestricted | $500 |
| Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute | Unrestricted | $500 |
| Smile Train Inc | Unrestricted | $500 |
| The Ark | Unrestricted | $500 |
| The Mast Cell Disease Society Inc (The Mastocytosis Society) | Unrestricted | $500 |
| UNICEF USA | Unrestricted | $500 |
| Wayforward Resources | Unrestricted | $500 |
| World Food Program USA | Unrestricted | $500 |
| World Jewish Congress | Unrestricted | $500 |
| Wounded Warrior Project Inc | Unrestricted | $500 |
| Autism Speaks | Unrestricted | $450 |
Officers and trustees
- Marilyn Ernsteen
- Scott Ernsteen
- Gary Ernsteen
- Stephen Ernsteen
Questions people ask
Does Ernsteen Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Ernsteen Family Foundation give?
$43,942 in tax year 2025, across 71 grants, with a typical grant of $500.
Who runs Ernsteen Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Marilyn Ernsteen (President/Secretary), Scott Ernsteen (Director), Gary Ernsteen (Director) and Stephen Ernsteen (Director).
What does Ernsteen Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, faith communities and education.