JS Charitable Trust
Preselected recipients only
JS Charitable Trust is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $156,325 in 36 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $79,500. 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$156,325
- Number of grants36
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$79,500
- Assets$2.3 million
- New grantees28%
Giving in 2025 was up from $66,375 the year before.
28% 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 | $71,525 | 31 | $1.7 million |
| 2024 | $66,375 | 33 | $2.1 million |
| 2025 | $156,325 | 36 | $2.3 million |
How to apply
JS 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 JS Charitable Trust funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to District of Columbia.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 2 | $80,500 |
| Illinois | 20 | $49,150 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $10,000 |
| New Mexico | 2 | $6,000 |
| California | 2 | $4,750 |
| New York | 5 | $3,450 |
| Kansas | 1 | $2,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $200 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $150 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $125 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| National Geographic Society | Unrestricted | $79,500 |
| Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| Mayo Foundation | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Santa Fe Opera | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Solti Foundation | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Alliance Francais de Chicago | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| The Field Museum | Unrestricted | $3,500 |
| Wildlife NOW | Unrestricted | $2,500 |
| Cofam | Unrestricted | $2,250 |
| Eisenhower Foundation | Unrestricted | $2,000 |
| Lincoln Park Zoo | Unrestricted | $2,000 |
| Lyric Opera of Chicago | Unrestricted | $2,000 |
| Grafenegg International Council | Unrestricted | $2,000 |
| Classical Music Chicago | Unrestricted | $1,500 |
| Chicago Shakespeare Theatre | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| National Museum of Women in the Arts | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| 626 Landmark Foundation | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| University of Chicago | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Chicago Council on Global Affairs | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Newberry Library | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Gorton Community Center | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Chicago History Museum | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Ingenuity | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Metropolitan Museum of Art | Unrestricted | $600 |
| Museum of Modern Art | Unrestricted | $550 |
| Music of the Baroque | Unrestricted | $500 |
| St Chrysostom's Church | Unrestricted | $500 |
| Music Institute of Chicago | Unrestricted | $500 |
| Ravinia | Unrestricted | $400 |
| Landmarks Illinois | Unrestricted | $250 |
| Doctors Without Borders | Unrestricted | $200 |
| Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra | Unrestricted | $200 |
| Norman Rockwell Museum | Unrestricted | $150 |
| Florence Griswold Museum | Unrestricted | $125 |
| Storm King Art Center | Unrestricted | $100 |
Officers and trustees
- Thomas C Sheffield Jr
- Pamela Sheffield
- Thomas C Sheffield III
- Grace W Brettkelly
Questions people ask
Does JS Charitable Trust accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does JS Charitable Trust give?
$156,325 in tax year 2025, across 36 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs JS Charitable Trust?
Its 2025 filing lists Thomas C Sheffield Jr (Trustee), Pamela Sheffield (Trustee), Thomas C Sheffield III (Trustee) and Grace W Brettkelly (Trustee).
What does JS Charitable Trust fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, environment and conservation and international.