Tengelsen Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Tengelsen Family Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $919,952 in 17 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $475,875. 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$919,952
- Number of grants17
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$475,875
- Assets$1.9 million
- New grantees50%
Giving in 2025 was up from $806,460 the year before.
50% 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 | $477,451 | 18 | $155,098 |
| 2024 | $806,460 | 17 | $1.1 million |
| 2025 | $919,952 | 17 | $1.9 million |
How to apply
Tengelsen 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 Tengelsen Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 14 | $916,886 |
| Michigan | 1 | $1,816 |
| Nevada | 1 | $1,000 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $250 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Big Shoulders Fund | Tengelsen family scholars program | $475,875 |
| Shirley Ryan Ability Lab | Tengelsen family sports for kids program | $200,000 |
| Big Shoulders Fund | Donation towards exempt purpose | $112,500 |
| Wolcot School | Scholars program | $43,000 |
| NAMI Chicago | Donation towards exempt purpose | $20,500 |
| Pilot Light | Donation towards exempt purpose | $20,000 |
| Shirley Ryan Ability Lab | Donation towards exempt purpose | $15,000 |
| Boys Hope Girls Hope | Donation towards exempt purpose | $10,000 |
| Mt Carmel High School | Donation towards exempt purpose | $10,000 |
| Leo High School | Donation towards exempt purpose | $5,000 |
| Chicago Yacht Club | Donation towards exempt purpose | $2,500 |
| The Collective | Donation towards exempt purpose | $1,816 |
| Shirley Ryan Ability Lab | Art in motion program | $1,000 |
| Gabriels Light | Donation towards exempt purpose | $1,000 |
| Unlv Foundation | Donation towards exempt purpose | $1,000 |
| St Mary Providence | Donation towards exempt purpose | $511 |
| Henderson County Hunger Coalition | Donation towards exempt purpose | $250 |
Officers and trustees
- Jennifer Tengelsen
- Erich Tengelsen
- Lauren J Wolven
Questions people ask
Does Tengelsen Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Tengelsen Family Foundation give?
$919,952 in tax year 2025, across 17 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Tengelsen Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Jennifer Tengelsen (President/Secretary), Erich Tengelsen (Vice-President/Treasurer) and Lauren J Wolven (Director).
What does Tengelsen Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and youth programs.