Sacks Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Sacks Family Foundation is a private foundation in Highland Park, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $7.0 million in 53 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 and the largest $1.1 million. 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$7.0 million
- Number of grants53
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$1.1 million
- Assets$3.1 million
- New grantees36%
Giving in 2025 was up from $5.5 million the year before.
36% 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 | $6.8 million | 60 | $177,811 |
| 2024 | $5.5 million | 50 | $15,019 |
| 2025 | $7.0 million | 53 | $3.1 million |
How to apply
Sacks 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 Sacks Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 42 | $5.3 million |
| Louisiana | 2 | $525,000 |
| New York | 3 | $515,000 |
| Virginia | 2 | $425,000 |
| California | 2 | $120,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $100,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $1.1 million |
| The Barack Obama Foundation | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $1.0 million |
| Jewish United Fund | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $600,000 |
| Tulane University | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $500,000 |
| University of Chicago | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $500,000 |
| Navy Seal Foundation | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $375,000 |
| Anti Defamation League Foundation | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $250,000 |
| Eb Research Partnership | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $250,000 |
| Hope Chicago Inc | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $250,000 |
| Steppenwolf Theatre Co | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $215,000 |
| Breaking Through Inc | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $200,000 |
| Hyde Park Art Center | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $200,000 |
| Museum of Contemporary Art | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $170,000 |
| The Art Institute of Chicago | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $125,000 |
| After School Matters | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $100,000 |
| Eisenhower Medical Center | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $100,000 |
| Shirley Ryan Ability Lab | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $100,000 |
| Am Shalom | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $93,100 |
| Erikson Institute | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $75,000 |
| Teach for America | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $75,000 |
| Chicago Architecture Biennial | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $50,000 |
| Communities in Schools of Chicago | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $50,000 |
| Ellington Fund | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $50,000 |
| Food Allergy Research and Education | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $50,000 |
| Musical Arts Institute | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $50,000 |
| Northwestern Memorial Foundation | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $50,000 |
| Northwestern University - Hillel | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $50,000 |
| United States Holocaust Memorial Museum | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $50,000 |
| Jewish Community Centers of Chicago | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $30,000 |
| Bright Star Community Development Corporation NFP | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $25,000 |
| Elnet - Friends of Elnet | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $25,000 |
| Hillel the Foundation for Jewish Campus Life | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $25,000 |
| Rebecca Copeland Fund for Social Justice | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $25,000 |
| White Stork - United States LTD | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $25,000 |
| Youth Guidance | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $25,000 |
| Lurie Children's Foundation | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $20,000 |
| Rancho Mirage Writers Festival | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $20,000 |
| Brothers for Life | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $15,000 |
| Chicago Children's Museum | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $15,000 |
| Dreams for Kids | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $15,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Michael Sacks
- Kenneth Sacks
- Elise Sacks
Questions people ask
Does Sacks Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Sacks Family Foundation give?
$7.0 million in tax year 2025, across 53 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs Sacks Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Michael Sacks (President/Treasurer), Kenneth Sacks (Secretary) and Elise Sacks (Director).
What does Sacks Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, arts and culture and faith communities.