Knight Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Knight Family Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.2 million in 15 grants; the typical grant was $60,000 and the largest $250,000. 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$1.2 million
- Number of grants15
- Typical grant$60,000
- Largest grant$250,000
- Assets$28.0 million
- New grantees27%
Giving in 2025 was up from $990,000 the year before.
27% 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 | $855,000 | 11 | $23.5 million |
| 2024 | $990,000 | 12 | $23.7 million |
| 2025 | $1.2 million | 15 | $28.0 million |
How to apply
Knight Family 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 Knight Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 8 | $725,000 |
| Michigan | 2 | $205,000 |
| New York | 3 | $135,000 |
| California | 1 | $120,000 |
| Iowa | 1 | $15,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Knox College | General support | $250,000 |
| Saugatuck Center for the Arts | General support | $200,000 |
| Chicago Scots Fka Illinois Saint Andrew Society | General support | $150,000 |
| El Dorado Foundation | General support | $120,000 |
| Northwestern Memorial Foundation | General support | $100,000 |
| UNICEF USA | General support | $75,000 |
| United Way of Metropolitan Chicago | General support | $60,000 |
| North Shore Country Day School | General support | $60,000 |
| Howard Brown Health Center | General support | $50,000 |
| Colgate University | General support | $50,000 |
| Erika's Lighthouse | General support | $30,000 |
| Community Health Chicago | General support | $25,000 |
| American Red Cross | General support | $15,000 |
| Doctors Without Borders | General support | $10,000 |
| SPCA of Southwest Michigan | General support | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Mary K Knight
- Robert Knight III
- Andrew M Knight
- Robert T Gratzer
Questions people ask
Does Knight Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Knight Family Foundation give?
$1.2 million in tax year 2025, across 15 grants, with a typical grant of $60,000.
Who runs Knight Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Mary K Knight (Secretary / Director), Robert Knight III (Treasurer / Director), Andrew M Knight (President / Director) and Robert T Gratzer (VP / Director).
What does Knight Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, international and health.