IRA and Janina Marks Charitable Trust
Preselected recipients only
IRA and Janina Marks Charitable Trust is a private foundation in Evanston, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $70,800 in 81 grants; the typical grant was $250 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$70,800
- Number of grants81
- Typical grant$250
- Largest grant$10,000
- Assets$1.4 million
- New grantees57%
Giving in 2025 was up from $64,090 the year before.
57% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $69,220 | 72 | $1.2 million |
| 2024 | $64,090 | 84 | $1.4 million |
| 2025 | $70,800 | 81 | $1.4 million |
How to apply
IRA and Janina Marks Charitable Trust 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 IRA and Janina Marks Charitable Trust funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 19 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 41 | $55,250 |
| New York | 9 | $4,475 |
| Colorado | 3 | $2,500 |
| District of Columbia | 7 | $1,550 |
| Maryland | 2 | $1,100 |
| Florida | 1 | $1,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $1,000 |
| Virginia | 3 | $750 |
| California | 2 | $600 |
| Hawaii | 1 | $600 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Cnpa | General charitable purpose | $10,000 |
| Cnpa Foundation | General charitable purpose | $10,000 |
| Bounce Childrens Foundation | General charitable purpose | $7,500 |
| Chicago Sinai | General charitable purpose | $4,070 |
| Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Assoc | General charitable purpose | $4,000 |
| Field Museum Womens Board | General charitable purpose | $2,250 |
| National Jewish Health | General charitable purpose | $2,000 |
| Trees That Feed Foundation | General charitable purpose | $2,000 |
| Lighthouse Preservation Fund | General charitable purpose | $2,000 |
| McCormick Foundation Communities Match | General charitable purpose | $2,000 |
| Evanston Art Center | General charitable purpose | $2,000 |
| Jewelers for Children | General charitable purpose | $1,000 |
| Youth Job Center | General charitable purpose | $1,000 |
| Parkinsons Foundation | General charitable purpose | $1,000 |
| American Jewish Committee | General charitable purpose | $1,000 |
| Michael J Fox Foundation | General charitable purpose | $1,000 |
| Earthwatch Institute | General charitable purpose | $1,000 |
| Human Rights Watch | General charitable purpose | $1,000 |
| Guitars Over Guns | General charitable purpose | $1,000 |
| Lahaina Restoration Foundation | General charitable purpose | $600 |
| Pacific Marine Mammal Center | General charitable purpose | $500 |
| Wayside Cross Ministries | General charitable purpose | $500 |
| Sacred Heart - Tanzania Coce | General charitable purpose | $500 |
| Skokie Country Club Educational Foundation | General charitable purpose | $500 |
| Hope Chicago | General charitable purpose | $500 |
| Impact Culinary Training | General charitable purpose | $500 |
| United Help Ukraine | General charitable purpose | $500 |
| Hadley School for the Blind | General charitable purpose | $500 |
| Alliance for the Great Lakes | General charitable purpose | $500 |
| Hadley School for the Blind | General charitable purpose | $500 |
| Planned Parenthood | General charitable purpose | $500 |
| Margarets Village | General charitable purpose | $500 |
| Bhutan Foundation | General charitable purpose | $500 |
| Aspen Film | General charitable purpose | $450 |
| International Crane Foundation | General charitable purpose | $400 |
| Jane Goodall Institute | General charitable purpose | $400 |
| Cac | General charitable purpose | $330 |
| The Archeological Conservancy | General charitable purpose | $300 |
| Kenilworth Union Church | General charitable purpose | $250 |
| Chicago Cultural Alliance | General charitable purpose | $250 |
Officers and trustees
- Peter Marks
- Paul Marks
- Daniel Marks
Questions people ask
Does IRA and Janina Marks Charitable Trust accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does IRA and Janina Marks Charitable Trust give?
$70,800 in tax year 2025, across 81 grants, with a typical grant of $250.
Who runs IRA and Janina Marks Charitable Trust?
Its 2025 filing lists Peter Marks (Trustee), Paul Marks (Trustee) and Daniel Marks (Trustee).
What does IRA and Janina Marks Charitable Trust fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, arts and culture and faith communities.