Gavlin Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Gavlin Family Foundation is a private foundation in Evanston, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $94,005 in 93 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $10,000. 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$94,005
- Number of grants93
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$10,000
- Assets$1.8 million
- New grantees25%
Giving in 2025 was up from $92,700 the year before.
25% 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 | $78,604 | 89 | $1.8 million |
| 2024 | $92,700 | 104 | $1.8 million |
| 2025 | $94,005 | 93 | $1.8 million |
How to apply
Gavlin 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 Gavlin Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 14 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 37 | $31,379 |
| Colorado | 19 | $28,330 |
| District of Columbia | 13 | $17,765 |
| California | 11 | $5,612 |
| New York | 3 | $4,500 |
| Alabama | 1 | $1,000 |
| Iowa | 1 | $1,000 |
| Oklahoma | 1 | $1,000 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $1,000 |
| Arizona | 2 | $669 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Queer Asterisk | General assistance | $10,000 |
| National Parks Conservation Assoc | General assistance | $3,500 |
| Lambda Legal | General assistance | $3,000 |
| Religious Action Center | General assistance | $3,000 |
| Colorado Gives | General assistance | $2,736 |
| Chicagoland Exotic Animal Rescue | General assistance | $2,500 |
| Food Bank of the Rockies | General assistance | $2,500 |
| World Central Kitchen | General assistance | $2,045 |
| Doctors Without Borders | General assistance | $2,000 |
| Lincoln Park Zoo | General assistance | $2,000 |
| Denver Museum of Nature & Science | General assistance | $1,534 |
| World Wildlife Fund | General assistance | $1,505 |
| Ada S McKinley Community Services | General assistance | $1,500 |
| Chicago Symphony Orchestra | General assistance | $1,500 |
| Greater Chicago Food Depository | General assistance | $1,500 |
| Planned Parenthood | General assistance | $1,500 |
| U N Refugee Agency | General assistance | $1,500 |
| Wbez Public Radio | General assistance | $1,465 |
| Wikimedia Foundation | General assistance | $1,254 |
| Rocky Mountain PBS | General assistance | $1,200 |
| American Institute of Steel Constru | General assistance | $1,000 |
| American Red Cross | General assistance | $1,000 |
| Black Ensemble Theater Co | General assistance | $1,000 |
| Blood Cancer United | General assistance | $1,000 |
| Chicago Public Library Foundation | General assistance | $1,000 |
| Elevated Access | General assistance | $1,000 |
| Energy Outreach Colorado | General assistance | $1,000 |
| Equal Justice Initiative | General assistance | $1,000 |
| Feed the Children | General assistance | $1,000 |
| Feeding America | General assistance | $1,000 |
| Humane Colorado | General assistance | $1,000 |
| Jewish Family Services | General assistance | $1,000 |
| KRCC Public Radio | General assistance | $1,000 |
| Meals on Wheels Chicago | General assistance | $1,000 |
| Mercy Corp | General assistance | $1,000 |
| Morris Animal Foundation | General assistance | $1,000 |
| Museum of Science and Industry | General assistance | $1,000 |
| National Park Foundation | General assistance | $1,000 |
| Nourishing Hope | General assistance | $1,000 |
| Paleo Research Institute | General assistance | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Patricia Kay
- Nancy Gavlin
- Suzanne Cluff
Questions people ask
Does Gavlin Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Gavlin Family Foundation give?
$94,005 in tax year 2025, across 93 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs Gavlin Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Patricia Kay (Trustee), Nancy Gavlin (Trustee) and Suzanne Cluff (Trustee).
What does Gavlin Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, environment and conservation and animals.