James and Lesley Anixter Foundation
Preselected recipients only
James and Lesley Anixter Foundation is a private foundation in Highland Park, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $146,600 in 19 grants; the typical grant was $2,000 and the largest $100,000. 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$146,600
- Number of grants19
- Typical grant$2,000
- Largest grant$100,000
- Assets$544,105
- New grantees37%
Giving in 2025 was up from $139,760 the year before.
37% 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 | $111,050 | 21 | $366,399 |
| 2024 | $139,760 | 18 | $375,530 |
| 2025 | $146,600 | 19 | $544,105 |
How to apply
James and Lesley Anixter 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 James and Lesley Anixter Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 13 | $133,800 |
| New York | 3 | $9,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $2,300 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | $1,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago | To further the mission of the donee | $100,000 |
| Jewish Council for Youth Services | To further the mission of the donee | $6,000 |
| Ravinia Festival Association | To further the mission of the donee | $6,000 |
| Jewish Community Centers - Chicago Women's Board | To further the mission of the donee | $6,000 |
| Am Shalom | To further the mission of the donee | $5,500 |
| Friends of the Israel Defense Forces | To further the mission of the donee | $5,000 |
| Jewish Federation of Palm Beach | To further the mission of the donee | $2,300 |
| Anixter Center - Chicago Hearing Society Division | To further the mission of the donee | $2,000 |
| American Friends of Magen David Adom | To further the mission of the donee | $2,000 |
| National Multiple Sclerosis Society | To further the mission of the donee | $2,000 |
| Friends of Elnet | To further the mission of the donee | $2,000 |
| Camp Gan Israel | To further the mission of the donee | $1,800 |
| Focus Inc | To further the mission of the donee | $1,000 |
| GPF Foundation | To further the mission of the donee | $1,000 |
| Helping Hands Network | To further the mission of the donee | $1,000 |
| Kathy's House | To further the mission of the donee | $1,000 |
| North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic | To further the mission of the donee | $1,000 |
| Hallie 225 | To further the mission of the donee | $500 |
| Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation | To further the mission of the donee | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- James Anixter
- Lesley Anixter
Questions people ask
Does James and Lesley Anixter Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does James and Lesley Anixter Foundation give?
$146,600 in tax year 2025, across 19 grants, with a typical grant of $2,000.
Who runs James and Lesley Anixter Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists James Anixter (Pres.) and Lesley Anixter (Vice Pres.).
What does James and Lesley Anixter Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, youth programs and health.