James & Helen Knippen Char Tr
Accepts applications
James & Helen Knippen Char Tr is a private foundation in Downers Grove, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $74,259 in 13 grants; the typical grant was $3,587 and the largest $20,491. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$74,259
- Number of grants13
- Typical grant$3,587
- Largest grant$20,491
- Assets$1.7 million
- New grantees77%
Giving in 2025 was up from $67,807 the year before.
77% 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 | $62,105 | 13 | $1.6 million |
| 2024 | $67,807 | 13 | $1.6 million |
| 2025 | $74,259 | 13 | $1.7 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Hightower Trust Co of Illinois 1901 Butterfield Rd Suite 1000, Dowerns Grover, IL 60515 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (630) 545-3681 |
| What to submit | Letter with annual report and exemption letters |
| Deadlines | December 1st each year |
| Restrictions | Must be a 501(c) organization |
What James & Helen Knippen Char Tr funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 7 | $37,200 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $20,491 |
| Utah | 1 | $7,132 |
| Virginia | 3 | $7,077 |
| Texas | 1 | $2,359 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| St Jude's Children's Research | General expenses | $20,491 |
| Norhwestern Memorial Foundation | General expenses | $12,527 |
| Breatkthrough T1D Illinois | General expenses | $7,339 |
| Primary Children's Medical Center | General expenses | $7,132 |
| Shriners Hospital for Chicago | General expenses | $4,885 |
| Easter Seals Dupage & Fox | General expenses | $3,592 |
| United Way of Metropolitan Chicago | General expenses | $3,587 |
| People's Resource Center | General expenses | $3,587 |
| Salvation Army National C | General expenses | $2,359 |
| Bone Health & Osteoporosis | General expenses | $2,359 |
| Partnership With Native Americans | General expenses | $2,359 |
| Nature Conservancy Inc | General expenses | $2,359 |
| Alzheimer's Association | General expenses | $1,683 |
Officers and trustees
- Hightower Trust Co of Illinois
Questions people ask
Does James & Helen Knippen Char Tr accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: December 1st each year.
How much does James & Helen Knippen Char Tr give?
$74,259 in tax year 2025, across 13 grants, with a typical grant of $3,587.
Who runs James & Helen Knippen Char Tr?
Its 2025 filing lists Hightower Trust Co of Illinois (Trustee).
What does James & Helen Knippen Char Tr fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, youth programs and human services.