Ferdi Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Ferdi Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $302,902 in 21 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $115,000. 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$302,902
- Number of grants21
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$115,000
- Assets$5.3 million
- New grantees27%
Giving in 2025 was up from $268,610 the year before.
27% 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 | $188,890 | 16 | $3.8 million |
| 2024 | $268,610 | 28 | $4.5 million |
| 2025 | $302,902 | 21 | $5.3 million |
How to apply
Ferdi 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 Ferdi Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 18 | $271,869 |
| Vermont | 1 | $25,000 |
| California | 1 | $5,000 |
| Michigan | 1 | $1,033 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago International Puppet Theatr | All contributions were made for the unrestricted use of charity. | $115,000 |
| Environmental Law and Policy Center | Same as Orgainzation 1. | $40,165 |
| Goodman Theatre | Same as Organization 1. | $40,000 |
| Loyola University Foundation | Same as Organization 1. | $27,200 |
| Individual | Same as Organization 1. | $25,000 |
| Individual | Same as organization 1. | $20,000 |
| Individual | Same as Organization 1. | $8,400 |
| Womens Global Education Project | Same as organization 1. | $5,000 |
| Individual | Same as organization 1. | $5,000 |
| 5 Gyers Institute | Same as Organization 1. | $5,000 |
| Alliance for Great Lakes | Same as Foundation 1. | $5,000 |
| Illinois Environmental Council | Same as Organization 1. | $1,500 |
| Oil and Water Don't mix | Same as Foundation 1. | $1,033 |
| First St Paul Community Meals | Same as Organization 1. | $1,000 |
| Wbez | Same as orgainization 1. | $900 |
| Individual | Same as Organization 1. | $590 |
| Illinois Food Scrap Composte Coalit | Same as Organization 1. | $555 |
| One Tail at a Time | Same as orgainization 1. | $500 |
| Individual | Same as Organization 1. | $500 |
| Promusica | Same as Orgaization 1. | $350 |
| Paws | Same as orgainization 1. | $209 |
Officers and trustees
- Julie Moller
- Jack Moller
- Sue Waits
Questions people ask
Does Ferdi Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Ferdi Foundation give?
$302,902 in tax year 2025, across 21 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Ferdi Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Julie Moller (President), Jack Moller (Director) and Sue Waits (Director).
What does Ferdi Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly international, environment and conservation and education.