Susan & Jerome Ettelson Fund
Preselected recipients only
Susan & Jerome Ettelson Fund is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $112,832 in 69 grants; the typical grant was $500 and the largest $14,000. 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$112,832
- Number of grants69
- Typical grant$500
- Largest grant$14,000
- Assets$2.4 million
- New grantees19%
Giving in 2025 was up from $97,600 the year before.
19% 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 | $96,527 | 74 | $2.2 million |
| 2024 | $97,600 | 65 | $2.5 million |
| 2025 | $112,832 | 69 | $2.4 million |
How to apply
Susan & Jerome Ettelson Fund 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 Susan & Jerome Ettelson Fund funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 23 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 24 | $68,850 |
| Nebraska | 2 | $10,400 |
| District of Columbia | 6 | $7,700 |
| Florida | 3 | $5,800 |
| Utah | 1 | $4,500 |
| California | 7 | $3,917 |
| New York | 6 | $3,150 |
| Maryland | 2 | $1,300 |
| Tennessee | 2 | $1,000 |
| Nevada | 1 | $700 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-Cruelty Society | To further program services | $14,000 |
| Friends of Animal Care and Control | To further program services | $12,000 |
| Bright Directions | To further program services | $10,000 |
| Chicago Coalition for Homeless | To further program services | $8,000 |
| Cradles to Crayons | To further program services | $6,000 |
| Give Kids the World Village | To further program services | $5,000 |
| Lincoln Park Zoo | To further program services | $5,000 |
| Shedd Aquarium | To further program services | $5,000 |
| World Wildlife Fund | To further program services | $5,000 |
| Best Friends Animal Society | To further program services | $4,500 |
| Greater Chicago Food Depository | To further program services | $3,500 |
| Museum of Science and Industry | To further program services | $3,500 |
| Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter | To further program services | $2,000 |
| Felines & Canines | To further program services | $1,800 |
| Alive Rescue | To further program services | $1,000 |
| Doctors Without Borders | To further program services | $1,000 |
| One Tail at A Time | To further program services | $1,000 |
| Delta Rescue | To further program services | $917 |
| American Humane Society | To further program services | $900 |
| Tree House Humane Society | To further program services | $850 |
| Animal Legal Defense Fund | To further program services | $700 |
| Feeding Pets of the Homeless | To further program services | $700 |
| Marine Mammal Center | To further program services | $700 |
| Women's Animal Center | To further program services | $700 |
| Feeding America | To further program services | $600 |
| Humane World for Animal | To further program services | $600 |
| Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center | To further program services | $600 |
| Northsore Animal League | To further program services | $600 |
| The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee | To further program services | $600 |
| West Suburban Humane Society | To further program services | $600 |
| Casey to the Rescue | To further program services | $550 |
| ASPCA | To further program services | $500 |
| Bideawee | To further program services | $500 |
| Heartland Animal Shelter | To further program services | $500 |
| Last Chance for Animals | To further program services | $500 |
| National Humane Education Society | To further program services | $500 |
| Nourishing Hope | To further program services | $500 |
| Paws Chicago | To further program services | $500 |
| Red Rover Pet Services LLC | To further program services | $500 |
| Save A Pet Adoption | To further program services | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Susan S Ettelson
- William S Ettelson
- John R Ettelson
Questions people ask
Does Susan & Jerome Ettelson Fund accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Susan & Jerome Ettelson Fund give?
$112,832 in tax year 2025, across 69 grants, with a typical grant of $500.
Who runs Susan & Jerome Ettelson Fund?
Its 2025 filing lists Susan S Ettelson (President), William S Ettelson (Secretary) and John R Ettelson (Treasurer).
What does Susan & Jerome Ettelson Fund fund?
Based on its grants, mainly animals, environment and conservation and housing and homelessness.