Out of the Box Foundation Inc
Preselected recipients only
Out of the Box Foundation Inc is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $122,100 in 30 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $15,000. 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$122,100
- Number of grants30
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$15,000
- Assets$1.8 million
- New grantees43%
Giving in 2025 was up from $119,000 the year before.
43% 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 | $112,186 | 28 | $1.7 million |
| 2024 | $119,000 | 30 | $1.9 million |
| 2025 | $122,100 | 30 | $1.8 million |
How to apply
Out of the Box Foundation Inc 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 Out of the Box Foundation Inc funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 25 | $100,100 |
| Arkansas | 1 | $5,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $5,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $5,000 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $5,000 |
| Louisiana | 1 | $2,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Chicago Food Depository | Generalgeneral | $15,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity | General | $11,000 |
| South Asian Friendship | Generalgeneral | $6,000 |
| Cabrini Green Legal Aid Clinic | General | $5,000 |
| Chicago Coalition for the Homeless | General | $5,000 |
| Heifer International | General | $5,000 |
| Himalayan Youth Foundation | General | $5,000 |
| Human Rights Campaign Fund | General | $5,000 |
| Irc International Rescue Committee | General | $5,000 |
| Lasalle Street Church Breakthrough Fund | General | $5,000 |
| Lasalle Street Church Financial Assistance | General | $5,000 |
| Lasalle Street Church Fund | General | $5,000 |
| Lawndale Christian Health Center | General | $5,000 |
| Lincoln Park Community Services | Generalgeneral | $5,000 |
| Open Books | General | $5,000 |
| Uptown Peoples Law Center | General | $5,000 |
| Northwestern Center on Wrongful Convictions | General | $5,000 |
| ACLU | General | $5,000 |
| Planned Parenthood | General | $5,000 |
| Tulane University | General | $2,000 |
| Brave Space Alliance | General | $1,000 |
| Art on Sedgwick | General | $1,000 |
| Night Ministry | General | $1,000 |
| Midwest Action Coalition | General | $1,000 |
| Chicago Justice Torture Center | General | $1,000 |
| Sounds Good Choir | General | $1,000 |
| Midwest Immigration Bond Fund | General | $1,000 |
| Lasalle Street Church | General | $500 |
| Hello Baby | General | $500 |
| North Chicago Community Partners | Generalgeneralgeneral | $100 |
Officers and trustees
- Susan Schaefer
- Lee Tockman
- Philip GD Schaefer
Questions people ask
Does Out of the Box Foundation Inc accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Out of the Box Foundation Inc give?
$122,100 in tax year 2025, across 30 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Out of the Box Foundation Inc?
Its 2025 filing lists Susan Schaefer (Trustee), Lee Tockman (Trustee) and Philip GD Schaefer (Trustee).
What does Out of the Box Foundation Inc fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, housing and homelessness and health.