Lewis-Sebring Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Lewis-Sebring Family Foundation is a private foundation in Evanston, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $3.1 million in 66 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $1.1 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$3.1 million
- Number of grants66
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$1.1 million
- Assets$6.4 million
- New grantees59%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.6 million the year before.
59% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.1 million | 50 | $4.8 million |
| 2024 | $1.6 million | 50 | $5.2 million |
| 2025 | $3.1 million | 66 | $6.4 million |
How to apply
Lewis-Sebring 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 Lewis-Sebring Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 50 | $3.0 million |
| Massachusetts | 6 | $78,092 |
| District of Columbia | 3 | $33,000 |
| Iowa | 1 | $10,000 |
| California | 1 | $5,000 |
| Alabama | 1 | $1,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $750 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $500 |
| New York | 1 | $500 |
| Maine | 1 | $250 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Eths Foundation | In support of organization's mission | $1.1 million |
| Chicago Public Mediawbez | In support of organization's mission | $250,000 |
| A Better Chicago | In support of organization's mission | $200,000 |
| University of Chicago | In support of organization's mission | $176,000 |
| First Repair | In support of organization's mission | $175,000 |
| McGaw YMCA | In support of organization's mission | $150,500 |
| Braven | In support of organization's mission | $150,000 |
| Teach for America | In support of organization's mission | $100,000 |
| You | In support of organization's mission | $100,000 |
| American Red Cross | In support of organization's mission | $75,000 |
| Evanston Roundtable | In support of organization's mission | $75,000 |
| Fora | In support of organization's mission | $50,500 |
| Evanston Scholars | In support of organization's mission | $50,000 |
| Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights | In support of organization's mission | $50,000 |
| Northlight Theater | In support of organization's mission | $50,000 |
| Books and Breakfast | In support of organization's mission | $30,000 |
| Ubuntu Global Connectionsaxium | In support of organization's mission | $30,000 |
| Campaign Legal Center | In support of organization's mission | $20,000 |
| Cherry Scholarship Fund | In support of organization's mission | $20,000 |
| Kuumba Evanston | In support of organization's mission | $20,000 |
| Facing History and Ourselves | In support of organization's mission | $16,092 |
| Conservatory of the Arts | In support of organization's mission | $14,500 |
| American Independent | In support of organization's mission | $10,000 |
| Amherst College | In support of organization's mission | $10,000 |
| Chicago Cred | In support of organization's mission | $10,000 |
| Chicago Symphony Orchestra | In support of organization's mission | $10,000 |
| Evanston Community Foundation | In support of organization's mission | $10,000 |
| Grinnell College | In support of organization's mission | $10,000 |
| Museum of Science and Industry | In support of organization's mission | $10,000 |
| Afp Chicago | In support of organization's mission | $5,000 |
| C&w Market Foundation | In support of organization's mission | $5,000 |
| Evanston Case | In support of organization's mission | $5,000 |
| Girls Play Sports | In support of organization's mission | $5,000 |
| Golden Apple Foundation | In support of organization's mission | $5,000 |
| Latino Policy Forum | In support of organization's mission | $5,000 |
| Mikva Challenge | In support of organization's mission | $5,000 |
| People's Music School | In support of organization's mission | $5,000 |
| Restless Books | In support of organization's mission | $5,000 |
| U-Go Initiative | In support of organization's mission | $5,000 |
| WTTW Channel 11 | In support of organization's mission | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Kathryn Lewis Varela
- Lisa S Carreras
- Peter C Lewis
- Charles A Lewis
- Penny Bender Sebring
Questions people ask
Does Lewis-Sebring Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Lewis-Sebring Family Foundation give?
$3.1 million in tax year 2025, across 66 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Lewis-Sebring Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Kathryn Lewis Varela (President), Lisa S Carreras (Secretary), Peter C Lewis (Treasurer) and Charles A Lewis (Chairman) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does Lewis-Sebring Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, education and human services.