The Acorn Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Acorn Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $43,700 in 29 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $8,000. 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$43,700
- Number of grants29
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$8,000
- Assets$593,985
- New grantees7%
Giving in 2025 was down from $87,000 the year before.
7% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $0 | 0 | $730,491 |
| 2024 | $87,000 | 33 | $598,883 |
| 2025 | $43,700 | 29 | $593,985 |
How to apply
The Acorn 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 The Acorn Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 11 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 10 | $18,000 |
| New York | 5 | $6,900 |
| California | 4 | $4,200 |
| Iowa | 1 | $2,500 |
| Maine | 1 | $2,500 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | $2,400 |
| Massachusetts | 2 | $2,000 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $2,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $1,700 |
| Washington | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Museum of Science and Industry | Museum | $8,000 |
| Colby College | Educational | $2,500 |
| Depaul College Prep | Educational | $2,500 |
| The Fund for Sarah Lawrence - Sarah Lawrence College | Educational | $2,500 |
| University of Iowa Foundation | Educational | $2,500 |
| Organiceye | Advocacy | $2,400 |
| Charitywater | Environmental | $2,000 |
| Latin School of Chicago | Educational | $1,500 |
| Action Against Hunger-Usa | Human services | $1,200 |
| Hillel International | Human services | $1,200 |
| The Actors' Fund of America | Cultural | $1,200 |
| The Jarrett Meeker Foundation | Human services | $1,200 |
| Anshe Emet Synagogue | Religious | $1,000 |
| Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Cultural | $1,000 |
| Field Museum | Museum | $1,000 |
| Friends of Lincoln Park High | Educational | $1,000 |
| Honeybee Research Facitlity-Wsu Foundation | Environmental | $1,000 |
| Jewish Family Services of San Diego | Human services | $1,000 |
| KPBS TVFM | Cultural | $1,000 |
| Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc | Advocacy | $1,000 |
| Ronald McDonald House | Human services | $1,000 |
| School Year Abroad - Office of Advancement | Educational | $1,000 |
| Stanford University | Educational | $1,000 |
| Tufts University | Educational | $1,000 |
| Birthright Israel Foundation | Educational | $1,000 |
| Adler Planetarium | Museum | $500 |
| Federalist Society | Advocacy | $500 |
| Interlochen Center for the Arts | Cultural | $500 |
| Steppenwolf Theatre | Cultural | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Ralph Wanger
- Kathleen Tucker
- Eric David Wanger
- Leonard Ralph Wanger
- Debra Jane Wanger
Questions people ask
Does The Acorn Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Acorn Foundation give?
$43,700 in tax year 2025, across 29 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs The Acorn Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Ralph Wanger (President), Kathleen Tucker (Treasurer), Eric David Wanger (Director) and Leonard Ralph Wanger (Director) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Acorn Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, arts and culture and science and research.