Michael E Murphy Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Michael E Murphy Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $668,000 in 25 grants; the typical grant was $20,000 and the largest $100,000. 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$668,000
- Number of grants25
- Typical grant$20,000
- Largest grant$100,000
- Assets$13.1 million
- New grantees16%
Giving in 2025 was up from $613,500 the year before.
16% 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 | $474,720 | 26 | $10.9 million |
| 2024 | $613,500 | 25 | $12.3 million |
| 2025 | $668,000 | 25 | $13.1 million |
How to apply
Michael E Murphy 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 Michael E Murphy Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 21 | $525,000 |
| Massachusetts | 2 | $63,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $40,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $40,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Big Shoulders Fund | Charitable purpose | $100,000 |
| Boston College | Charitable purpose | $60,000 |
| Immaculate Conception Church | Charitable purpose | $55,000 |
| Steppenwolf Theatre | Charitable purpose | $50,000 |
| The Family Institute | Charitable purpose | $50,000 |
| Georgetown University | Charitable purpose | $40,000 |
| L'arche | Charitable purpose | $40,000 |
| St Catherine St Lucy Catholic School | Charitable purpose | $40,000 |
| The Ignatian Volunteer Corps (Ivc) | Charitable purpose | $40,000 |
| Annual Catholic Appeal | Charitable purpose | $25,000 |
| Catholic Theological Union | Charitable purpose | $25,000 |
| Misericordia Home | Charitable purpose | $25,000 |
| Archdiocese of Chicago | Charitable purpose | $20,000 |
| Chicago Shakespeare Theater | Charitable purpose | $20,000 |
| Catholic Charities | Charitable purpose | $10,000 |
| Goodman Theatre | Charitable purpose | $10,000 |
| Lyric Opera of Chicago | Charitable purpose | $10,000 |
| St John Berchmans Church | Charitable purpose | $10,000 |
| The Field Museum | Charitable purpose | $10,000 |
| Ascension Catholic School | Charitable purpose | $5,000 |
| High Jump | Charitable purpose | $5,000 |
| Northwestern Memorial Foundation | Charitable purpose | $5,000 |
| St Ignatius College Prep | Charitable purpose | $5,000 |
| The Breakthrough Board | Charitable purpose | $5,000 |
| Good Sport | Charitable purpose | $3,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Adele A Murphy
- Leslie M Barker
- Glenn S Murphy
- Christopher M Murphy
Questions people ask
Does Michael E Murphy Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Michael E Murphy Foundation give?
$668,000 in tax year 2025, across 25 grants, with a typical grant of $20,000.
Who runs Michael E Murphy Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Adele A Murphy (VP, Sec., Treas., Director), Leslie M Barker (President/Director), Glenn S Murphy (Director) and Christopher M Murphy (Director).
What does Michael E Murphy Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, education and arts and culture.