Nickum Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Nickum Foundation is a private foundation in Hinsdale, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $181,000 in 10 grants; the typical grant was $16,750 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$181,000
- Number of grants10
- Typical grant$16,750
- Largest grant$30,000
- Assets$4.0 million
- New grantees50%
Giving in 2025 was up from $150,000 the year before.
50% 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 | $165,000 | 8 | $3.4 million |
| 2024 | $150,000 | 7 | $3.7 million |
| 2025 | $181,000 | 10 | $4.0 million |
How to apply
Nickum 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 Nickum Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Michigan.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 5 | $112,500 |
| Ohio | 1 | $25,000 |
| Iowa | 1 | $13,500 |
| California | 1 | $10,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $10,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Trust of Benzie | General support | $30,000 |
| Denison University | General support | $25,000 |
| Frankfort-Elberta Education Foundation | General support | $25,000 |
| Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital Foundation | General support | $25,000 |
| Cranbrook Schools | General support | $20,000 |
| University of Iowa | General support | $13,500 |
| Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy | General support | $12,500 |
| Northwestern University | General support | $10,000 |
| Rollins College | General support | $10,000 |
| Santa Clara University | General support | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Johanna N McClear
- Kevin R McClear
- Chris R McClear
- Richard J McClear
Questions people ask
Does Nickum Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Nickum Foundation give?
$181,000 in tax year 2025, across 10 grants, with a typical grant of $16,750.
Who runs Nickum Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Johanna N McClear (President), Kevin R McClear (Vice President), Chris R McClear (Treasurer) and Richard J McClear (Secretary).
What does Nickum Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education.