Randy and Michele Mehrberg Schara Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Randy and Michele Mehrberg Schara Family Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $93,000 in 13 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $35,000. 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$93,000
- Number of grants13
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$35,000
- Assets$2.2 million
- New grantees54%
Giving in 2025 was down from $201,200 the year before.
54% 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 | $157,385 | 17 | $1.3 million |
| 2024 | $201,200 | 17 | $1.8 million |
| 2025 | $93,000 | 13 | $2.2 million |
How to apply
Randy and Michele Mehrberg Schara 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 Randy and Michele Mehrberg Schara Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 7 | $68,500 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $15,000 |
| New York | 2 | $6,500 |
| California | 1 | $1,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $1,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park Zoo | General fund | $35,000 |
| Cure | General fund | $15,000 |
| Northwestern Memorial Foundation | General fund | $12,500 |
| History Makers | General fund | $10,000 |
| College Possible | General fund | $5,000 |
| United Way of Metro Chicago | General fund | $5,000 |
| National Mill Dog Rescue | General fund | $5,000 |
| Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | General fund | $1,500 |
| The Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia | General fund | $1,000 |
| The Cycle Effect | General fund | $1,000 |
| Challenged Athletes Foundation | General fund | $1,000 |
| Chicago Bar Foundation | General fund | $500 |
| Jewish United Fund | General fund | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Randall Mehrberg
- Michele Schara
- Dillon Mehrberg
Questions people ask
Does Randy and Michele Mehrberg Schara Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Randy and Michele Mehrberg Schara Family Foundation give?
$93,000 in tax year 2025, across 13 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Randy and Michele Mehrberg Schara Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Randall Mehrberg (President), Michele Schara (Secretary & Treasurer) and Dillon Mehrberg (Vice-President).
What does Randy and Michele Mehrberg Schara Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly animals.