Melva Bucksbaum Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Melva Bucksbaum Family Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $4.0 million in 8 grants; the typical grant was $335,334 and the largest $1.0 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$4.0 million
- Number of grants8
- Typical grant$335,334
- Largest grant$1.0 million
- Assets$0
- New grantees38%
Giving in 2025 was up from $3.0 million the year before.
38% 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 | $3.1 million | 6 | $3.1 million |
| 2024 | $3.0 million | 10 | $3.4 million |
| 2025 | $4.0 million | 8 | $0 |
How to apply
Melva Bucksbaum 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 Melva Bucksbaum Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to Massachusetts.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 2 | $1.0 million |
| Iowa | 1 | $1.0 million |
| Minnesota | 1 | $835,335 |
| California | 1 | $335,335 |
| Illinois | 1 | $335,334 |
| Maine | 1 | $300,000 |
| Washington | 1 | $200,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Drake University | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $1.0 million |
| Mayo Clinic | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $835,335 |
| Argonautica Fidelity Donor Advised Fund | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $750,000 |
| Preventative Medicine Research Institute | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $335,335 |
| Northwestern University | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $335,334 |
| Quahog Bay Conservation | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $300,000 |
| Our Regenerative Future Donor Advised Fund | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $250,000 |
| Second Amendment Foundation | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $200,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Mary Bucksbaum Scanlan
- Gene Bucksbaum
- Catherine M O'Brien
Questions people ask
Does Melva Bucksbaum Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Melva Bucksbaum Family Foundation give?
$4.0 million in tax year 2025, across 8 grants, with a typical grant of $335,334.
Who runs Melva Bucksbaum Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Mary Bucksbaum Scanlan (President/Director), Gene Bucksbaum (Vice President/Director) and Catherine M O'Brien (Secretary/Treasurer).
What does Melva Bucksbaum Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and health.