Esper A Petersen Foundation
Accepts applications
Esper A Petersen Foundation is a private foundation in Grayslake, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $760,426 in 41 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $154,758. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$760,426
- Number of grants41
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$154,758
- Assets$19.2 million
- New grantees21%
Giving in 2025 was up from $741,050 the year before.
21% 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 | $689,500 | 34 | $14.7 million |
| 2024 | $741,050 | 42 | $16.2 million |
| 2025 | $760,426 | 41 | $19.2 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Esper A Petersen Foundation 1 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (847) 336-0900 |
| What to submit | No required form - Solicitations should include specific plans for the use of grants received, proof of 501(c)(3) status, and financial information regarding the organization. |
| Restrictions | Any restrictions are determined during the evaluation process. |
What Esper A Petersen Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 34 | $505,668 |
| Florida | 1 | $154,758 |
| Illinois | 5 | $90,000 |
| South Dakota | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | For public charity support. | $154,758 |
| Westlake Christian Academy | To support beautification project of the school | $70,000 |
| VC Colab Foundation | Advance education and science, combat community deterioration and lessen the burdens of government | $50,368 |
| Individual | $50,000 | |
| Cedars Sinai Medical Center | Provide affordable health care | $50,000 |
| Individual | Support the adult rehabilitation center | $50,000 |
| Madison Project at Santa Monica Col | To support education programs for the Broad Stage. | $50,000 |
| Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra | Support orchestra's education and outreach programs | $40,000 |
| The Foundation for Pierce College | Support development of resources to support educational programs, students and campus | $25,000 |
| Nenn Foundation | To support veterinary students in large animal medicine | $25,000 |
| Friends of Robinson Gardens | To support preservation and promotion of the historical estate for the education and enjoyment of the general public | $22,500 |
| Individual | Provide affordable access to a full range of reproductive health care | $15,000 |
| OC Pom Rescue | Support rescue of the Pomeranian breed and educate about responsible dog ownership | $15,000 |
| Bear Valley Comm Healthcare Dist Fo | To provide more comprehensive medical care and emergency services. | $10,000 |
| Los Angeles Regional Food Bank | To help mobilize resources to fight hunger in the community. | $10,000 |
| Individual | To help keep wildlife preserved and to keep rescue animals healthy & fed. | $10,000 |
| The Rescue Train | To help eliminate animal suffering and euthanasia through hands on rescue work. | $10,000 |
| Salastina | To support appreciation of chamber music through performance and appreciation | $10,000 |
| Tanka Fund | To support the return of the buffalo to Native American lands | $10,000 |
| The UCLA Foundation | To support enhancement of physical and emotional well being through canines | $7,500 |
| Village of Grayslake | To share engaging programs and exhibitions through the years | $5,000 |
| The Danish Home Foundation | To support communities centered in Danish and Scandinavian customs | $5,000 |
| Rotary Club of Grayslake Foundation | To support local humanitarian needs, youth programs and community development | $5,000 |
| The Pepper Foundation | Support rescuing senior and special needs animals | $5,000 |
| Individual | To support rescue, training and providing animal assisted activities therapies | $5,000 |
| A Purposeful Rescue | To help homeless pets in need | $5,000 |
| Shepherds Paws Animal Rescue | To help large and medical dogs in need | $5,000 |
| Frosted Faces Foundation | To help senior dogs in need | $5,000 |
| Community Youth Network | To support mental health services | $5,000 |
| Studio Channel Island Arts Center | To support bringing artists and community together to educate, enrich and entertain | $5,000 |
| University of Southern CA | To support innovative research to develop targeted new therapies and cures | $5,000 |
| Saving K9 Lives Plus | To provide public awareness of the growing population of homeless animals and animals being euthanized in crowded shelters. | $2,500 |
| Southern CA Pomeranian Rescue | To support rescue and rehabilitation of small dogs | $2,500 |
| Rins Rescue | To support rescue and rehabilitation of homeless pets | $2,500 |
| Linda Blair Worldheart Foundation | To support rehabilitation and rehoming of abused and neglected animals | $2,500 |
| Treepeople Inc | To inspire and engage people to take personal responsibility fo the environment | $2,500 |
| Wallis Annenburg Ctr-Perf Arts | To support public engagement with the performing arts | $2,500 |
| Women's Guild Cedars Sinai | To support programs at Cedars Sinai Medical Centers | $2,000 |
| Ventura County Sheriff Foundation | To promote civic spirit and public safety in support of the Ventura County Sheriff's office. | $1,300 |
| Individual | Provide for special needs children, adults and their families | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Esper A Petersen
- Ann Petersen
- Esper A Petersen III
- Stephanie Gullo
- Jennifer Ashworth
- Adam Morley
Questions people ask
Does Esper A Petersen Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does Esper A Petersen Foundation give?
$760,426 in tax year 2025, across 41 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Esper A Petersen Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Esper A Petersen (Dir/President), Ann Petersen (Dir/VP), Esper A Petersen III (Director) and Stephanie Gullo (Dir/Secretary) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does Esper A Petersen Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, health and animals.