Mendelson-Wolff Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Mendelson-Wolff Family Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $126,198 in 17 grants; the typical grant was $2,000 and the largest $50,000. 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$126,198
- Number of grants17
- Typical grant$2,000
- Largest grant$50,000
- Assets$2.1 million
- New grantees47%
Giving in 2025 was up from $71,805 the year before.
47% 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 | $68,525 | 26 | $1.2 million |
| 2024 | $71,805 | 25 | $1.7 million |
| 2025 | $126,198 | 17 | $2.1 million |
How to apply
Mendelson-Wolff 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 Mendelson-Wolff Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 12 | $94,961 |
| New York | 2 | $29,712 |
| California | 1 | $1,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $500 |
| Louisiana | 1 | $25 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The University of Chicago | Exempt purpose of organization | $50,000 |
| Jewish United Fund USA | Exempt purpose of organization | $28,712 |
| Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning | Exempt purpose of organization | $15,000 |
| Skyart | Exempt purpose of organization | $9,308 |
| Temple Sholom | Exempt purpose of organization | $5,155 |
| University of Chicago Booth | Exempt purpose of organization | $5,000 |
| Anshe Emet | Exempt purpose of organization | $4,128 |
| Grant Park Music Fest | Exempt purpose of organization | $2,500 |
| University of Illinois - Champaign | Exempt purpose of organization | $2,000 |
| BABY2BABYORG | Exempt purpose of organization | $1,000 |
| Marfan Foundation | Exempt purpose of organization | $1,000 |
| Ragdale | Exempt purpose of organization | $1,000 |
| Restore Justice Foundation | Exempt purpose of organization | $512 |
| US Holocaust Museum | Exempt purpose of organization | $500 |
| Wbez | Exempt purpose of organization | $250 |
| Chicago Jewish Historical Society | Exempt purpose of organization | $108 |
| Wwii Museum | Exempt purpose of organization | $25 |
Officers and trustees
- Stephen S Wolff
- Marla A Mendelson
- Rachel S Wolff
- Hannah T Wolff
Questions people ask
Does Mendelson-Wolff Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Mendelson-Wolff Family Foundation give?
$126,198 in tax year 2025, across 17 grants, with a typical grant of $2,000.
Who runs Mendelson-Wolff Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Stephen S Wolff (President), Marla A Mendelson (Vice President), Rachel S Wolff (Secretary) and Hannah T Wolff (Treasurer).
What does Mendelson-Wolff Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, faith communities and arts and culture.