Lost Pond Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Lost Pond Foundation is a private foundation in Hinsdale, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $2.0 million in 29 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 and the largest $255,000. 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$2.0 million
- Number of grants29
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$255,000
- Assets$49.9 million
- New grantees35%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.7 million the year before.
35% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $213,750 | 21 | $32.7 million |
| 2023 | $1.5 million | 22 | $38.7 million |
| 2024 | $1.7 million | 22 | $43.9 million |
| 2025 | $2.0 million | 29 | $49.9 million |
How to apply
Lost Pond 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 Lost Pond Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 20 | $1.2 million |
| New York | 2 | $275,000 |
| Indiana | 1 | $255,000 |
| Michigan | 4 | $135,000 |
| Missouri | 1 | $100,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $48,350 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana University Foundation | To support operational and program expenses. | $255,000 |
| The Nature Conservancy | To support operational and program expenses. | $200,000 |
| Breakthrough T1D (FKA JDRF) | To support operational and program expenses. | $175,000 |
| Catholic Charities - Diocese of Joliet | To support operational and program expenses. | $155,000 |
| Alzheimer's Association | To support operational and program expenses. | $150,000 |
| By the Hand Club for Kids | To support operational and program expenses. | $150,000 |
| Doctors without Borders | To support operational and program expenses. | $100,000 |
| Donald Danforth Plant Science Center | To support operational and program expenses. | $100,000 |
| Brilliant Cities To Support Expansion Into Chicago | To support operational and program expenses. | $100,000 |
| Northern Illinois Food Bank | To support operational and program expenses. | $75,000 |
| Cristo Rey Network | To support operational and program expenses. | $75,000 |
| St Alphonsus Parish | To support operational and program expenses. | $75,000 |
| The Thresholds Homeless Outreach Program (Hop) | To support operational and program expenses. | $75,000 |
| Northwestern Medicine | To support operational and program expenses. | $55,000 |
| Chicago Commons | To support operational and program expenses. | $50,000 |
| Jack Miller Center | To support operational and program expenses. | $48,350 |
| St Isaacs Jogues Church | To support operational and program expenses. | $30,000 |
| Greater Chicago Food Depository | To support operational and program expenses. | $25,000 |
| Adler Planetarium | To support operational and program expenses. | $25,000 |
| Little Sisters of the Poor | To support operational and program expenses. | $20,000 |
| Meals On Wheels Of Southwest Michigan | To support operational and program expenses. | $20,000 |
| Chikaming Open Lands | To support operational and program expenses. | $10,000 |
| Wellness House | To support operational and program expenses. | $7,500 |
| Uniting Voices Chicago | To support operational and program expenses. | $5,000 |
| Candor Health Education | To support operational and program expenses. | $5,000 |
| Archdiocese of Chicago | To support operational and program expenses. | $5,000 |
| National Assistance League - Chicagoland West | To support operational and program expenses. | $5,000 |
| St Agnes Catholic Church | To support operational and program expenses. | $5,000 |
| Elementary School District 181 Foundation | To support operational and program expenses. | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Susan Wilson
- Gregory W Wilson
- Amanda W Wilson
Questions people ask
Does Lost Pond Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Lost Pond Foundation give?
$2.0 million in tax year 2025, across 29 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs Lost Pond Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Susan Wilson (President), Gregory W Wilson (Treasurer) and Amanda W Wilson (Secretary).
What does Lost Pond Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, education and health.