Pepper Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Pepper Family Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $3.7 million in 51 grants; the typical grant was $25,500 and the largest $1.0 million. 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$3.7 million
- Number of grants51
- Typical grant$25,500
- Largest grant$1.0 million
- Assets$44.0 million
- New grantees55%
Giving in 2025 was up from $3.2 million the year before.
55% 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 | $1.6 million | 23 | $33.1 million |
| 2024 | $3.2 million | 28 | $42.5 million |
| 2025 | $3.7 million | 51 | $44.0 million |
How to apply
Pepper Family 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 Pepper Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 41 | $3.5 million |
| Arkansas | 1 | $100,000 |
| Ohio | 2 | $75,207 |
| Iowa | 3 | $51,500 |
| California | 1 | $500 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $500 |
| Virginia | 1 | $259 |
| Missouri | 1 | $252 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Art Institute of Chicago | Operating funds | $1.0 million |
| John G Shedd Aquarium | Operating funds | $510,000 |
| Northshore Hospitals Foundation | Operating funds | $300,000 |
| Lincoln Park Zoo | Operating funds | $230,982 |
| Northwestern University Department of Communications | Operating funds | $200,000 |
| Adler Planetarium | Operating funds | $146,250 |
| Northwestern University | Operating funds | $105,000 |
| Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts | Operating funds | $100,000 |
| Plymouth Place | Operating funds | $100,000 |
| Chicago South Side Birth Center | Operating funds | $100,000 |
| Northwestern University Athletic Dept | Operating funds | $89,000 |
| Brookfield Zoo | Operating funds | $85,000 |
| St Michael Episcopal Church | Operating funds | $63,042 |
| Barrington White House | Operating funds | $55,000 |
| Elgin Symphony Orchestra | Operating funds | $55,000 |
| Junior Achievement of Central Ohio | Operating funds | $50,000 |
| Madonna Mission | Operating funds | $50,000 |
| Friends of the Fieldsbarrington Cust 220 | Operating funds | $50,000 |
| Barrington Youth and Family Services | Operating funds | $42,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club of the NW Suburbs | Operating funds | $40,200 |
| Openlands | Operating funds | $30,000 |
| Chicago Baseball and Educational Academy | Operating funds | $30,000 |
| Arden Shore Child and Family Services | Operating funds | $26,000 |
| Mercyone Genesis Foundation | Operating funds | $26,000 |
| Quad City Music Guild | Operating funds | $25,526 |
| Warp Corps | Operating funds | $25,500 |
| The Ohio State University | Operating funds | $25,207 |
| Maryville Academy Center for Children | Operating funds | $25,000 |
| Salute Inc | Operating funds | $25,000 |
| The Hap Foundation | Operating funds | $25,000 |
| The Cultural Trust | Operating funds | $25,000 |
| Big Shoulders Fund | Operating funds | $10,000 |
| Chicago Field Museum | Operating funds | $10,000 |
| Chicago History Museum | Operating funds | $10,000 |
| Museum of Science and Industry | Operating funds | $10,000 |
| Chicago Children's Theatre | Operating funds | $10,000 |
| Grace Episcopal Church | Operating funds | $10,000 |
| Lake Zurich Cusd 95 Marching Band | Operating funds | $5,000 |
| St Paul Lutheran Church | Operating funds | $3,800 |
| Galena Territory Foundation | Operating funds | $2,000 |
Officers and trustees
- J Stanley Pepper
- W Franklin Appleby Jr
- J Richard Pepper
- J Scot Pepper
- Lisa Pepper
- Jaime Pepper Bland
Questions people ask
Does Pepper Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Pepper Family Foundation give?
$3.7 million in tax year 2025, across 51 grants, with a typical grant of $25,500.
Who runs Pepper Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists J Stanley Pepper (Director), W Franklin Appleby Jr (Secretary & Treasurer), J Richard Pepper (Director, Assistant Treasurer) and J Scot Pepper (Director, Vice President) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does Pepper Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, animals and education.