Ross Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Ross Family Foundation is a private foundation in Winnetka, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $118,994 in 16 grants; the typical grant was $2,700 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 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$118,994
- Number of grants16
- Typical grant$2,700
- Largest grant$25,000
- Assets$2.9 million
- New grantees44%
Giving in 2025 was up from $94,675 the year before.
44% 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 | $97,000 | 24 | $2.3 million |
| 2024 | $94,675 | 19 | $2.6 million |
| 2025 | $118,994 | 16 | $2.9 million |
How to apply
Ross 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 Ross Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 14 | $81,994 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $25,000 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $12,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Alliance for the Great Lakes | Civic | $25,000 |
| American Red Cross | Civic | $25,000 |
| Chicago Public Media | Civoc | $25,000 |
| Gary Sinise Fdn | Civic | $12,000 |
| Margaret's Villages | Civic | $10,000 |
| Erie Family Health Fdn | Civic | $6,000 |
| Winnetka Community House | Civic | $4,100 |
| Nature Conservancy | Civic | $2,700 |
| Northwestern Settlemenr | Civic | $2,700 |
| Down Syndrome | Health | $2,500 |
| Erika's Lighthouse | Enviromental | $1,500 |
| North Shore Senior Center | Civic | $1,000 |
| Just Harvest | Cicic | $400 |
| Skokie CC Educational Fdn | Educational | $400 |
| Toys for Tots | Civic | $394 |
| Winnetka Historical Soc | Civic | $300 |
Officers and trustees
- Deborah Ross
- Susanna R Block
- Magaret R Meiners
- Alexander L Ross
- Victoria R Ross
- Jeffrey S Ross
Questions people ask
Does Ross Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Ross Family Foundation give?
$118,994 in tax year 2025, across 16 grants, with a typical grant of $2,700.
Who runs Ross Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Deborah Ross (Pres & Dir), Susanna R Block (VP & Dir), Magaret R Meiners (Sec & Dir) and Alexander L Ross (Tres & Dir) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does Ross Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly community development and health.