Leslie J Raffel Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Leslie J Raffel Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $3.4 million in 9 grants; the typical grant was $201,922 and the largest $2.0 million. 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$3.4 million
- Number of grants9
- Typical grant$201,922
- Largest grant$2.0 million
- Assets$19.3 million
- New grantees33%
Giving in 2025 was up from $803,447 the year before.
33% 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 | $70,000 | 3 | $3.0 million |
| 2024 | $803,447 | 7 | $17.8 million |
| 2025 | $3.4 million | 9 | $19.3 million |
How to apply
Leslie J Raffel 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 Leslie J Raffel Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Indiana.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 4 | $2.9 million |
| New York | 5 | $564,655 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana University Foundation | To establish an endowed chair in the institute for the study of contemporary antisemitism | $2.0 million |
| Indiana University Foundation | To establish an endowed chair in the institute for the study of contemporary antisemitism | $500,000 |
| Purdue for Life Foundation | Gateway Building Project | $368,943 |
| American Friends of the Hebrew Univ | To provide funds for bio design lab | $250,000 |
| All Stars Project | Chicago development school for youth program | $201,922 |
| Anti-Defamation League | Fight the defamation of the Jewish people and others and to secure justice and fair treatment to all | $100,412 |
| Chabad of Purdue Univ | Social support for students at purdue university | $30,000 |
| Anti-Defamation League | Fight the defamation of the Jewish people and others and to secure justice and fair treatment to all | $10,000 |
| All Stars Project | Chicago development school for youth program | $2,321 |
Officers and trustees
- Robert G Gerber
- Harry M Kramer
- Marshall Gerber
Questions people ask
Does Leslie J Raffel Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Leslie J Raffel Foundation give?
$3.4 million in tax year 2025, across 9 grants, with a typical grant of $201,922.
Who runs Leslie J Raffel Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Robert G Gerber (President), Harry M Kramer (Director) and Marshall Gerber (Director).
What does Leslie J Raffel Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, youth programs and faith communities.