Polen Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Polen Family Foundation is a private foundation in Highland Park, Illinois. In tax year 2024 it gave $140,700 in 35 grants; the typical grant was $2,000 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 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$140,700
- Number of grants35
- Typical grant$2,000
- Largest grant$25,000
- Assets$1.4 million
- New grantees6%
Giving in 2024 was up from $126,000 the year before.
6% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $126,000 | 35 | $1.2 million |
| 2024 | $140,700 | 35 | $1.4 million |
How to apply
Polen 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 Polen Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 22 | $88,500 |
| Colorado | 2 | $16,200 |
| New York | 3 | $9,500 |
| Virginia | 1 | $7,500 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $5,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $5,000 |
| California | 2 | $4,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $3,000 |
| Arkansas | 1 | $2,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Shirly Ryan Abilitylab | Charitable | $25,000 |
| Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation | Charitable | $12,700 |
| Catholic Charities | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Friends of the Israel Defense Forces | Charitable | $10,000 |
| United Way | Charitable | $7,500 |
| For Autistic Kids | Charitable | $5,000 |
| HP Community Foundation | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Jimmy Fund | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Salvation Army | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Tunnel to Towers Foundation | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Vision Corps | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Aspen Community Foundation | Charitable | $3,500 |
| Northern Illinois Food Bank | Charitable | $3,000 |
| American Friends of the Israel Sport Center for the Disabled | Charitable | $2,500 |
| Cancer Wellness Center | Charitable | $2,500 |
| Chicago Zoological Society | Charitable | $2,500 |
| Doctors Without Borders | Charitable | $2,500 |
| America's Vetdogs | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Anti-Defamation League | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Disabled American Veterans | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Heifer International | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Icfs | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Jewish War Veterans of the USA | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Multiple Sclerosis of America | Charitable | $2,000 |
| The Ark | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Wild Aid | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Chicago Botanical Garden | Charitable | $1,500 |
| Josselyn Center | Charitable | $1,500 |
| Lake County Children's Advocacy | Charitable | $1,500 |
| Uso | Charitable | $1,500 |
| College Board Opportunities | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Lake Forest Open Lands | Charitable | $1,000 |
| National Park Foundation | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Pads Lake County | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Paws Chicago | Charitable | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Edward Polen
- Tamra Polen
- Bernard A Schlifke
Questions people ask
Does Polen Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Polen Family Foundation give?
$140,700 in tax year 2024, across 35 grants, with a typical grant of $2,000.
Who runs Polen Family Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Edward Polen (Pres/Sec/Director), Tamra Polen (Treasurer/Director) and Bernard A Schlifke (Asst Secy/Director).
What does Polen Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly human services, health and faith communities.