Richard and Judith Stern Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Richard and Judith Stern Family Foundation is a private foundation in Northbrook, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $48,500 in 17 grants; the typical grant was $2,500 and the largest $5,000. 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$48,500
- Number of grants17
- Typical grant$2,500
- Largest grant$5,000
- Assets$2.4 million
- New grantees41%
Giving in 2025 was up from $38,000 the year before.
41% 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 | $78,250 | 20 | $1.9 million |
| 2024 | $38,000 | 15 | $2.1 million |
| 2025 | $48,500 | 17 | $2.4 million |
How to apply
Richard and Judith Stern 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 Richard and Judith Stern Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 7 | $21,500 |
| New York | 3 | $9,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $8,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $3,000 |
| Alabama | 1 | $2,500 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $2,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $1,500 |
| New Hampshire | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute | General purposes | $5,000 |
| Japan Society | General purpose | $5,000 |
| National Womens Law Center | General purposes | $5,000 |
| The Art Institute of Chicago | General purpose | $4,000 |
| Lincoln Park Zoo | General purpose | $3,000 |
| University of Chicago | General purpose | $3,000 |
| World Wildlife Fund | General purpose | $3,000 |
| The Rocky Mountain Institute | General purpose | $3,000 |
| Southern Poverty Law Center | General purposes | $2,500 |
| Northwestern Memorial Foundation | General purposes | $2,500 |
| University of Chicago Laboratory | General purposes | $2,500 |
| Sandy Hook Promise Foundation | General purposes | $2,000 |
| The Michael J Fox Foundation for | General purposes | $2,000 |
| New Israel Fund | General purposes | $2,000 |
| Nature Conservancy | General purposes | $1,500 |
| Newman Nation | General purposes | $1,500 |
| Proctor Academy | General purposes | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- James D Stern
- Jeffrey S Stern
- Robin Stern
Questions people ask
Does Richard and Judith Stern Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Richard and Judith Stern Family Foundation give?
$48,500 in tax year 2025, across 17 grants, with a typical grant of $2,500.
Who runs Richard and Judith Stern Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists James D Stern (Secretary), Jeffrey S Stern (Director) and Robin Stern (Director).
What does Richard and Judith Stern Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation and education.