John & Weezie Gates Charitable Trust
Preselected recipients only
John & Weezie Gates Charitable Trust is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $682,400 in 33 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $350,000. 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$682,400
- Number of grants33
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$350,000
- Assets$5.0 million
- New grantees12%
Giving in 2025 was down from $697,470 the year before.
12% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $636,170 | 37 | $5.3 million |
| 2023 | $592,320 | 32 | $5.5 million |
| 2024 | $697,470 | 33 | $4.5 million |
| 2025 | $682,400 | 33 | $5.0 million |
How to apply
John & Weezie Gates 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 John & Weezie Gates Charitable Trust funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 12 states, the most to Connecticut.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 2 | $351,000 |
| Illinois | 10 | $179,000 |
| Florida | 7 | $88,150 |
| Massachusetts | 4 | $20,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $15,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $10,650 |
| Indiana | 2 | $6,000 |
| Idaho | 1 | $5,000 |
| California | 1 | $2,600 |
| Michigan | 1 | $2,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Trinity | General fund | $350,000 |
| Environmental Law & Policy Center (Elpc) | General fund | $100,000 |
| Hobe Sound Community Chest Inc | General fund | $50,000 |
| The Everglades Foundation | General fund | $30,000 |
| St Chrysostom's Church | General fund | $25,000 |
| St Chrysostoms Day School | General fund | $20,000 |
| Children's Memorial Foundation | General fund | $15,000 |
| The Conservation Fund | General fund | $15,000 |
| American Enterprise Institute (Aei) | General fund | $10,000 |
| Rehabilitation Institute | Shirley ryan abilitylab spark! Fundraiser | $10,000 |
| Dune Acres Civil Improvements Foundation | General fund | $5,000 |
| Eagle Hill School | General fund | $5,000 |
| Eaglebrook School Annual Fund | General fund | $5,000 |
| Groton School Annual Fund | General fund | $5,000 |
| Jupiter Island Medical Clinic | General fund | $5,000 |
| Team Impact | General fund | $5,000 |
| Goodman Theater Fund | General fund | $5,000 |
| Madonna Mission | General fund | $3,000 |
| St Anthony Trust of Hartford | General fund | $2,600 |
| Lincoln Park Zoo | General fund | $2,000 |
| Mill Reef Club | General fund | $2,000 |
| The Chicago Lighthouse | General fund | $2,000 |
| University Liggett School Annual Fund | General fund | $2,000 |
| Chicago City Day School Annual Fund | General fund | $1,000 |
| Christ Memorial Chapel | General fund | $1,000 |
| Jupiter Island Garden Club | General fund | $1,000 |
| Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation | General fund | $1,000 |
| Salisbury School Annual Fund | General fund | $1,000 |
| Town of Dune Acres | General fund | $1,000 |
| Town of Jupiter Island | General fund | $1,000 |
| UW Foundation | General fund | $1,000 |
| Wikimedia Foundation | General fund | $650 |
| Juipiter Island Historical Fund | General fund | $150 |
Officers and trustees
- John S Gates Jr
Questions people ask
Does John & Weezie Gates Charitable Trust accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does John & Weezie Gates Charitable Trust give?
$682,400 in tax year 2025, across 33 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs John & Weezie Gates Charitable Trust?
Its 2025 filing lists John S Gates Jr (Trustee).
What does John & Weezie Gates Charitable Trust fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, education and faith communities.