Polk Family Charitable Fund
Preselected recipients only
Polk Family Charitable Fund is a private foundation in Highland Park, Illinois. In tax year 2024 it gave $274,850 in 72 grants; the typical grant was $1,100 and the largest $50,000. 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$274,850
- Number of grants72
- Typical grant$1,100
- Largest grant$50,000
- Assets$3.9 million
- New grantees31%
Giving in 2024 was up from $235,334 the year before.
31% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $235,525 | 73 | $3.4 million |
| 2023 | $235,334 | 68 | $4.0 million |
| 2024 | $274,850 | 72 | $3.9 million |
How to apply
Polk Family Charitable Fund 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 Polk Family Charitable Fund funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 13 states, the most to Illinois. It also paid $17,000 in 2 grants to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 32 | $154,600 |
| Massachusetts | 2 | $28,000 |
| Colorado | 5 | $26,150 |
| Arizona | 8 | $13,000 |
| Oregon | 12 | $12,600 |
| New York | 3 | $6,000 |
| Washington | 1 | $6,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $4,500 |
| California | 1 | $3,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $1,500 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Cradles to Crayons | Grant award | $50,000 |
| American College of Surgeons Foundation | Grant award | $20,000 |
| Friends of Israel Defense Forces | Grant award | $20,000 |
| Wellesley College | Grant award | $20,000 |
| Royal Ontario Museum Foundation | Grant award | $14,000 |
| Colorado Gives Foundation | Grant award | $14,000 |
| Ort America | Grant award | $9,000 |
| Suffolk University | Grant award | $8,000 |
| Ravinia Festival Association | Grant award | $7,500 |
| School Alternatives | Grant award | $7,000 |
| Lurie Children's Foundation | Grant award | $6,700 |
| Boulder Shelter for the Homeless | Grant award | $6,650 |
| Church of Christ Co Landon Weeks | Grant award | $6,000 |
| American Assoc for Surgery of Trauma | Grant award | $5,000 |
| American Cancer Society | Grant award | $5,000 |
| The Manny&pat Sanchez Foundation | Grant award | $5,000 |
| National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund | Grant award | $4,000 |
| Wild Bear Nature Center | Grant award | $4,000 |
| North Suburban Synagogue Beth El | Grant award | $3,500 |
| McSo Memorial Fund | Grant award | $3,000 |
| Shaw Festival Foundation | Grant award | $3,000 |
| Stratford Festival | Grant award | $3,000 |
| Taking CTL Your Diabetes | Grant award | $3,000 |
| A Safe Place | Grant award | $2,400 |
| Shalva | Grant award | $2,400 |
| Chicago Police Memorial Foundation | Grant award | $2,000 |
| Foundation of Retired Police Office | Grant award | $2,000 |
| Scottsdale Police Foundation | Grant award | $2,000 |
| The Ark | Grant award | $2,000 |
| Msco Advisry Council | Grant award | $2,000 |
| Dance for Life | Grant award | $1,850 |
| Birthright Israel | Grant award | $1,800 |
| Autistic Kids Foundation | Grant award | $1,750 |
| Cancer Wellness Center | Grant award | $1,500 |
| Darkhorse Benefits Inc | Grant award | $1,500 |
| Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Inc | Grant award | $1,200 |
| Imagine Foundation | Grant award | $1,000 |
| Plea Charities | Grant award | $1,000 |
| Scottsdale Community Players | Grant award | $1,000 |
| Take Part Foundation | Grant award | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Bruce R Bachmann
- Edward M Polk
- Linda E Cutler
- Sandra P Guthman
- Howard J Polk
- Jeffry A Lewis
- Jeffrey A Polk
- Barbara P Milstein
- Dr Travis M Polk LT MC Usn Usn
- Ellen P Multack
- E Richard Polk
Questions people ask
Does Polk Family Charitable Fund accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Polk Family Charitable Fund give?
$274,850 in tax year 2024, across 72 grants, with a typical grant of $1,100.
Who runs Polk Family Charitable Fund?
Its 2024 filing lists Bruce R Bachmann (Director), Edward M Polk (Director), Linda E Cutler (President) and Sandra P Guthman (Director) among 11 officers and trustees.
What does Polk Family Charitable Fund fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, arts and culture and international.