Matthew Zell Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Matthew Zell Family Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2024 it gave $946,735 in 22 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $500,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$946,735
- Number of grants22
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$500,000
- Assets$49.6 million
- New grantees32%
Giving in 2024 was down from $3.5 million the year before.
32% of its 2024 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 | $3.5 million | 18 | $36.2 million |
| 2024 | $946,735 | 22 | $49.6 million |
How to apply
Matthew Zell 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 Matthew Zell Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to Virginia.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 1 | $500,000 |
| California | 2 | $375,000 |
| Wisconsin | 2 | $250,000 |
| Missouri | 1 | $250,000 |
| Illinois | 11 | $204,000 |
| New York | 2 | $65,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $50,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $5,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Nature Conservancy | Sustainability | $500,000 |
| Imagine H2O Inc | Sustainability | $325,000 |
| Powell Gardens Inc | Sustainability | $250,000 |
| Savanna Institute | Sustainability | $200,000 |
| Camp Ramah in Wisconsin Inc | Cultural and Religious | $118,000 |
| National Ramah Commission Inc | Cultural and Religious | $60,000 |
| Blue Forest Finance Inc | Sustainability | $50,000 |
| Medicine Fish Corp | Sustainability | $50,000 |
| The Aspen Institute Inc | Sustainability | $50,000 |
| National Kidney Foundation of Illinois | Health | $20,000 |
| Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago | Cultural and Religious | $10,000 |
| Maot Chitim | Cultural and Religious | $10,000 |
| North Suburban Synagogue Beth El | Cultural and Religious | $10,000 |
| Rochelle Zell Jewish High School | Cultural and Religious | $10,000 |
| The ARK | Cultural and Religious | $10,000 |
| American Modeling Teachers Association | Education | $5,000 |
| Carmel Catholic High School | Education | $5,000 |
| Ida Crown Jewish Academy | Cultural and Religious | $5,000 |
| Inheiritance Project LTD | Cultural and Religious | $5,000 |
| Museum of Science and Industry | Education | $5,000 |
| Imagination Productions Inc (DBA OpenDor Media) | Cultural and Religious | $1,000 |
| Medication Induced Suicide Education Foundation | Health | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Matthew Zell
- Philip Tinkler
- Joseph Miron
- Lucille McFarland
- Aaron Zell
- Rina Zell
- Raphael Zell
- Michael Shiner
Questions people ask
Does Matthew Zell Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Matthew Zell Family Foundation give?
$946,735 in tax year 2024, across 22 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Matthew Zell Family Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Matthew Zell (President), Philip Tinkler (Vice President), Joseph Miron (Vice President) and Lucille McFarland (Vice President & Secretary) among 8 officers and trustees.
What does Matthew Zell Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, arts and culture and faith communities.