Square One Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Square One Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2024 it gave $7.2 million in 77 grants; the typical grant was $62,500 and the largest $1.5 million. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$7.2 million
- Number of grants77
- Typical grant$62,500
- Largest grant$1.5 million
- Assets$132 million
- New grantees36%
Giving in 2024 was up from $5.2 million the year before.
36% of its 2024 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 | $5.2 million | 73 | $113 million |
| 2024 | $7.2 million | 77 | $132 million |
How to apply
Square One 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 Square One Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 63 | $6.0 million |
| New York | 3 | $430,000 |
| Texas | 2 | $276,500 |
| California | 3 | $145,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $132,500 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | $100,000 |
| Massachusetts | 2 | $90,000 |
| Alabama | 1 | $20,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jewish United Fund (JUF) | General Purpose | $1.5 million |
| University of Chicago | General Purpose | $590,000 |
| William J Brennan Jr Center for Justice Inc | General Purpose | $300,000 |
| National Louis University | General purpose | $207,500 |
| The Election Center | General purpose | $200,000 |
| City Bureau | General purpose | $137,500 |
| Palenque LSNA | General purpose | $135,000 |
| Civic News Company | General purpose | $127,500 |
| Chicago United for Equity | General purpose | $100,000 |
| KidsFirst Chicago | General purpose | $100,000 |
| Wisconsin Conservation VOICES | General purpose | $100,000 |
| Chicago Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights | General purpose | $95,000 |
| South Side Weekly | General purpose | $92,500 |
| Block Club Chicago | General purpose | $85,000 |
| Community Organizing and Family Issues COFI | General purpose | $85,000 |
| Mikva Challenge Grant Foundation Inc | General purpose | $85,000 |
| Academy for Urban School Leadership | General purpose | $82,500 |
| Equity and Transformation | General purpose | $82,500 |
| Latino Policy Forum | General purpose | $82,500 |
| Reform for Illinois | General purpose | $82,500 |
| The Chicago Community Trust | General Purpose | $82,500 |
| Blackroots Alliance | General purpose | $80,000 |
| Chicago Votes Education Fund | General purpose | $80,000 |
| Common Cause Education Fund | General purpose | $77,500 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | General purpose | $77,500 |
| Communities Foundation of Texas | General purpose | $76,500 |
| Economic Security Project Inc | General purpose | $75,000 |
| Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Right | General purpose | $75,000 |
| Tides Foundation | General purpose | $75,000 |
| Advance Illinois NFP | General purpose | $70,000 |
| Beyond Legal Aid | General purpose | $70,000 |
| HANA Center | General Purpose | $70,000 |
| Citizen Advocacy Center | General purpose | $67,500 |
| Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund | General purpose | $67,500 |
| Apna Ghar | General purpose | $67,500 |
| Coalition for a Better Chinese Community | General purpose | $65,000 |
| Xchange Chicago | General Purpose | $65,000 |
| Center for Budget and Tax Accounntability | General purpose | $62,500 |
| Tiny News Collective | General purpose | $62,500 |
| Asian Americans Advancing Justice | General purpose | $60,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Priscilla Kersten
- Benjamin Kersten
- Steven A Kersten
Questions people ask
Does Square One Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Square One Foundation give?
$7.2 million in tax year 2024, across 77 grants, with a typical grant of $62,500.
Who runs Square One Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Priscilla Kersten (President), Benjamin Kersten (Vice President) and Steven A Kersten (Secretary Treasury).
What does Square One Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, environment and conservation and human services.