John & Jacolyn Bucksbaum Family Found
Preselected recipients only
John & Jacolyn Bucksbaum Family Found is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $2.5 million in 134 grants; the typical grant was $3,000 and the largest $515,000. 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$2.5 million
- Number of grants134
- Typical grant$3,000
- Largest grant$515,000
- Assets$32.6 million
- New grantees31%
Giving in 2025 was up from $988,800 the year before.
31% 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 | $734,700 | 80 | $4.9 million |
| 2024 | $988,800 | 127 | $3.3 million |
| 2025 | $2.5 million | 134 | $32.6 million |
How to apply
John & Jacolyn Bucksbaum Family Found 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 John & Jacolyn Bucksbaum Family Found funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 16 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 54 | $871,000 |
| Colorado | 38 | $487,750 |
| California | 8 | $295,500 |
| New York | 14 | $161,500 |
| District of Columbia | 7 | $135,500 |
| Michigan | 2 | $32,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $5,000 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $5,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $4,500 |
| Iowa | 2 | $2,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Temple Sholom of Chicago | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $515,000 |
| Podium Society | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $250,000 |
| Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $166,000 |
| Museum of Language Arts | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $75,000 |
| USA Cycling Foundation | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $75,000 |
| Cinema Chicago | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $55,000 |
| American Jewish Committee | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $50,000 |
| US Holocaust Memorial Museum | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $50,000 |
| Civic Counsulting Alliance | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $40,000 |
| The Performance Zone Inc | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $40,000 |
| The Field Museum | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $35,000 |
| World Bicycle Relief | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $30,000 |
| Moadon Kol Chadash | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $28,000 |
| Peopleforbikes Foundation | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $25,000 |
| University of Denver | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $22,000 |
| US Ski & Snowboard Team Foundation | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $21,000 |
| Aspen Center for Environmental Studies | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $20,000 |
| Nordic Combined USA | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $20,000 |
| World Cup Dreams Foundation | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $20,000 |
| Teach for America | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $17,500 |
| Bulamu Healthcare | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $16,000 |
| Independence Pass Foundation | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $16,000 |
| Aspen Alpine Club Inc | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $15,000 |
| A Thousand Summers (Jacf) | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $13,000 |
| The Resurrection Project | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $12,500 |
| Navy Pier | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $12,000 |
| US Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $11,000 |
| Anderson Ranch Arts Center | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $10,000 |
| Aspen Hall of Fame | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $10,000 |
| Aspen Public Rado | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $10,000 |
| Chicago Public Media | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $10,000 |
| Chris Klug Foundation | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $10,000 |
| JCC Chicago Camp Chi | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $10,000 |
| JCC Rochester | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $10,000 |
| Muso | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $10,000 |
| Red Bridge Education | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $10,000 |
| Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $10,000 |
| Aspen Music Festival & School | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $9,000 |
| High Jump | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $7,500 |
| WTTW Channel 11 | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $7,500 |
Officers and trustees
- John Bucksbaum
- Jacolyn Bucksbaum
- James Riswold
- Robert Trattner
Questions people ask
Does John & Jacolyn Bucksbaum Family Found accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does John & Jacolyn Bucksbaum Family Found give?
$2.5 million in tax year 2025, across 134 grants, with a typical grant of $3,000.
Who runs John & Jacolyn Bucksbaum Family Found?
Its 2025 filing lists John Bucksbaum (President/Director), Jacolyn Bucksbaum (Vice Presient/Director), James Riswold (Director) and Robert Trattner (Treasurer/Secretary).
What does John & Jacolyn Bucksbaum Family Found fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, arts and culture and education.