Robert Jensen Dau Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Robert Jensen Dau Foundation is a private foundation in Lake Forest, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $127,605 in 10 grants; the typical grant was $4,500 and the largest $51,500. 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$127,605
- Number of grants10
- Typical grant$4,500
- Largest grant$51,500
- Assets$3.5 million
- New grantees30%
Giving in 2025 was up from $125,000 the year before.
30% of its 2025 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $87,900 | 10 | $3.2 million |
| 2024 | $125,000 | 9 | $3.5 million |
| 2025 | $127,605 | 10 | $3.5 million |
How to apply
Robert Jensen Dau 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Robert Jensen Dau Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Michigan.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 5 | $63,605 |
| New York | 1 | $33,000 |
| Illinois | 2 | $25,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $5,000 |
| California | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Great Lakes Center for the Arts | General funds | $51,500 |
| Pen America | To fund the robert j dau short story prize for emerging writers. | $33,000 |
| Chicago Botanic Garden | General funds | $20,000 |
| Church of the Holy Comforter | General funds | $5,000 |
| City Kids Wilderness Project | General funds | $5,000 |
| Bay View Chamber Music | Sponsorship of music series | $4,000 |
| Bay View Association | Musician scholarship | $3,250 |
| Petoskey Harbor Springs Community Foundation | Schlorships to petoskey high school students | $3,000 |
| Charlevoix-Emmet Isd | General funds | $1,855 |
| St Margarets Church | Music fund | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Fernanda D Fisher
- Brian T Fisher
- Sofie Fisher
Questions people ask
Does Robert Jensen Dau Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Robert Jensen Dau Foundation give?
$127,605 in tax year 2025, across 10 grants, with a typical grant of $4,500.
Who runs Robert Jensen Dau Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Fernanda D Fisher (President), Brian T Fisher (Treasurer) and Sofie Fisher (Secretary).
What does Robert Jensen Dau Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, education and faith communities.