Metzner Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Metzner Family Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $409,298 in 68 grants; the typical grant was $2,528 and the largest $30,000. 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$409,298
- Number of grants68
- Typical grant$2,528
- Largest grant$30,000
- Assets$9.0 million
- New grantees38%
Giving in 2025 was up from $351,313 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 | $388,896 | 65 | $8.2 million |
| 2024 | $351,313 | 68 | $9.0 million |
| 2025 | $409,298 | 68 | $9.0 million |
How to apply
Metzner 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 Metzner Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 13 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 42 | $346,523 |
| New York | 9 | $24,900 |
| Arizona | 4 | $8,500 |
| Indiana | 2 | $6,029 |
| Wisconsin | 2 | $5,646 |
| Missouri | 1 | $5,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $5,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $2,500 |
| Ohio | 1 | $2,500 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $1,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Ark | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $30,000 |
| Art Institute of Chicago | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $25,000 |
| Driehaus Museum | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $25,000 |
| Harris Theater | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $25,000 |
| Columbia College | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $22,600 |
| Museum of Contemporary Art | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $22,500 |
| AIDS Foundation | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $16,500 |
| Chiarts | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $15,000 |
| Jewish Federation of Chicago | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $15,000 |
| Ravinia Festival Development | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $15,000 |
| University of Chicago | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $13,250 |
| Renaissance Society | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $11,000 |
| Alzheimer's Association | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $10,000 |
| Goodman Theatre | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $10,000 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $10,000 |
| Joffrey Ballet | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $10,000 |
| Rebuild Foundation | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $10,000 |
| North Shore Congregation | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $5,546 |
| Waterwell | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $5,400 |
| Arizona Theatre Company | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $5,000 |
| Arts Club of Chicago | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $5,000 |
| Camp for All Kids | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $5,000 |
| Depaul Art Museum | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $5,000 |
| Doctors Without Borders | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $5,000 |
| Friends of the Glencoe Golf Club | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $5,000 |
| Gary Sinese Foundation | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $5,000 |
| Heartland Shelter | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $5,000 |
| Human Rights Watch Inc | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $5,000 |
| Hyde Park Art Center - Hpac | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $5,000 |
| Indiana University Foundation | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $5,000 |
| Intuit Museum | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $5,000 |
| National Public Housing Museum | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $5,000 |
| Anti-Defamation League | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $4,000 |
| Chicago Public Schools Lives | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $2,557 |
| Chicago Artist Coalition | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $2,500 |
| Chicago Cinema | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $2,500 |
| Chicago House | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $2,500 |
| Design Museum of Chicago | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $2,500 |
| Lookingglass Theater | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $2,500 |
| Museum of Contemporay Art Cleveland | Unrestricted charitable contribution | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Joan S Henson
- Mark J Metzner
- Gary F Metzner
- Scott Johnson
- David B Metzner
Questions people ask
Does Metzner Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Metzner Family Foundation give?
$409,298 in tax year 2025, across 68 grants, with a typical grant of $2,528.
Who runs Metzner Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Joan S Henson (Vice President), Mark J Metzner (President), Gary F Metzner (Secretary) and Scott Johnson (Assistant Treasurer) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does Metzner Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, education and health.