Morrison-Shearer Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Morrison-Shearer Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $74,000 in 7 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $20,000. 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$74,000
- Number of grants7
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$20,000
- Assets$5.2 million
- New grantees57%
Giving in 2025 was up from $51,030 the year before.
57% 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 | $511,050 | 5 | $4.5 million |
| 2024 | $51,030 | 4 | $4.7 million |
| 2025 | $74,000 | 7 | $5.2 million |
How to apply
Morrison-Shearer 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Morrison-Shearer Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 6 | $54,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $20,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Danceusa | General purposes | $20,000 |
| South Chicago Dance Theatre | General purposes | $15,000 |
| Chicago Film Archives | General purposes | $15,000 |
| Chicago Dancemakers Forum | General purposes | $10,000 |
| Ragdale Foundation | General purposes | $10,000 |
| See Chicago Dance | General purposes | $3,000 |
| Hedwig Dances | General purposes | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Tain Balfour
- Susan Bodine Bolea
- Toby Nicholson
- Sarah Rigdon
- Alida Szabo
- Mary Sue Wheeler
- Shayne Bullen
- Christopher Rutt
- Brian M Schaeffer
- Scott Lundius
- Lizzie Leopold
Questions people ask
Does Morrison-Shearer Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Morrison-Shearer Foundation give?
$74,000 in tax year 2025, across 7 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Morrison-Shearer Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Tain Balfour (Trustee - Part Time), Susan Bodine Bolea (Trustee - Part Time), Toby Nicholson (Trustee - Part Time) and Sarah Rigdon (Trustee - Part Time) among 11 officers and trustees.
What does Morrison-Shearer Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture.