Morton S Abelson Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Morton S Abelson Foundation is a private foundation in Highland Park, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $93,010 in 23 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $25,000. 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$93,010
- Number of grants23
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$25,000
- Assets$829,690
- New grantees44%
Giving in 2025 was up from $39,410 the year before.
44% 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 | $58,660 | 24 | $683,034 |
| 2024 | $39,410 | 18 | $802,447 |
| 2025 | $93,010 | 23 | $829,690 |
How to apply
Morton S Abelson 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 Morton S Abelson Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 12 | $62,110 |
| Colorado | 2 | $8,500 |
| California | 1 | $7,500 |
| Alabama | 1 | $5,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $5,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $2,000 |
| New York | 2 | $1,500 |
| Tennessee | 2 | $1,200 |
| Montana | 1 | $200 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Foundation | General support | $25,000 |
| Northwest Memorial Foundation | General support | $20,000 |
| Fistula Foundation | General support | $7,500 |
| Sparky Productions | General support | $7,500 |
| Anti Defamation League | General support | $5,000 |
| Back Bay Ringers | General support | $5,000 |
| Jewish United Fund | General support | $5,000 |
| Southern Poverty Law Center | General support | $5,000 |
| Northern Illinois Food Bank | General support | $3,250 |
| World Central Kitchen | General support | $2,000 |
| ACLU | General support | $1,000 |
| American Jewish Committee | General support | $1,000 |
| Genesys Works Chicago | General support | $1,000 |
| Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School | General support | $1,000 |
| St Jude's Children's Research Hospital | General support | $1,000 |
| Telluride Medical Center Foundation | General support | $1,000 |
| Everytown for Gun Safety | General support | $500 |
| Greater Chicago Food Depository | General support | $250 |
| Josselyn Clinic | General support | $250 |
| Project K-9 Hero | General support | $200 |
| St Labre Indian School | General support | $200 |
| WTTW | General support | $200 |
| Art Institute of Chicago | General support | $160 |
Officers and trustees
- Susan A Star
- Michael A Abelson
- Robert Star
Questions people ask
Does Morton S Abelson Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Morton S Abelson Foundation give?
$93,010 in tax year 2025, across 23 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs Morton S Abelson Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Susan A Star (President, Treasurer, Secretary), Michael A Abelson (Vice-President, Director) and Robert Star (Director).
What does Morton S Abelson Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, youth programs and faith communities.