Sweeney Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Sweeney Family Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $2.4 million in 15 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $2.2 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$2.4 million
- Number of grants15
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$2.2 million
- Assets$0
- New grantees73%
Giving in 2025 was up from $103,000 the year before.
73% 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 | $108,000 | 10 | $1.9 million |
| 2024 | $103,000 | 9 | $2.2 million |
| 2025 | $2.4 million | 15 | $0 |
How to apply
Sweeney 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Sweeney Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Wisconsin.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 5 | $2.3 million |
| Illinois | 8 | $80,500 |
| New York | 2 | $35,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Milwaukee Foundation- Charitable Family Fund | Charitable family fund | $2.2 million |
| Doctors Without Borders | General | $30,000 |
| Housing Opportunties and Maintenance for the Elderly (Home) | General | $20,000 |
| Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago | General | $15,000 |
| Lotus Legal Clinic | General | $15,000 |
| The Night Ministry | General | $15,000 |
| Rooted and Rising Washington Park | General | $12,500 |
| Aspire | General | $10,000 |
| Centro San Bonifacio | General | $10,000 |
| Maryknoll Sisters | Mission project funding | $5,000 |
| New Life Center | General | $5,000 |
| Planned Parenthhod | General | $5,000 |
| Il Hunger Coalition | General | $3,000 |
| Pilsen Food Pantry | General | $2,500 |
| Voces de la Frontera(community Shares of Wi) | General | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Barbara Sweeney
- Margaret Powell
- Rose Sweeney
Questions people ask
Does Sweeney Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Sweeney Family Foundation give?
$2.4 million in tax year 2025, across 15 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Sweeney Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Barbara Sweeney (Director), Margaret Powell (Director) and Rose Sweeney (Director).
What does Sweeney Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities and food and hunger.