The Baila Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Baila Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $54,865 in 16 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $26,000. 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$54,865
- Number of grants16
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$26,000
- Assets$529,521
- New grantees50%
Giving in 2025 was up from $51,730 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 | $30,050 | 17 | $512,944 |
| 2024 | $51,730 | 16 | $517,471 |
| 2025 | $54,865 | 16 | $529,521 |
How to apply
The Baila 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 Baila Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 12 | $38,365 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $7,500 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $5,000 |
| California | 1 | $3,000 |
| New York | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Chicago | General charitable contribution | $26,000 |
| Music Will | General charitable contributionGeneral charitable contribution | $7,500 |
| Marine Biological Laboratory | General charitable contribution | $5,000 |
| Northwestern University | General charitable contribution | $5,000 |
| Basketball & Mentorship Academy | General charitable contribution | $3,000 |
| Anti-Defamation League | General charitable contribution | $1,000 |
| Blue Cap | General charitable contribution | $1,000 |
| CJE Senior Life | General charitable contribution | $1,000 |
| Goodman Theatre | General charitable contribution | $1,000 |
| St James Cathedral | General charitable contribution | $1,000 |
| The Selfhelp Home | General charitable contribution | $1,000 |
| Chicago Architecture Center | General charitable contribution | $600 |
| International Women Associates | General charitable contribution | $500 |
| Lincoln Park Zoo | General charitable contribution | $500 |
| Chicago Botanic Gardens | General charitable contribution | $400 |
| Wbez | General charitable contribution | $365 |
Officers and trustees
- Lisa Warshauer
- Ashraf Abdelhamid
- Ken Lorch
Questions people ask
Does The Baila Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Baila Foundation give?
$54,865 in tax year 2025, across 16 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs The Baila Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Lisa Warshauer (President & Treaurer), Ashraf Abdelhamid (Director) and Ken Lorch (Vice President).
What does The Baila Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, arts and culture and environment and conservation.