The Berens Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Berens Foundation is a private foundation in Glenview, Illinois. In tax year 2024 it gave $2.2 million in 9 grants; the typical grant was $150,000 and the largest $582,065. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$2.2 million
- Number of grants9
- Typical grant$150,000
- Largest grant$582,065
- Assets$94.5 million
- New grantees22%
Giving in 2024 was up from $1.1 million the year before.
22% of its 2024 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $300,000 | 1 | $630,845 |
| 2023 | $1.1 million | 7 | $86.9 million |
| 2024 | $2.2 million | 9 | $94.5 million |
How to apply
The Berens 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
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 5 | $974,339 |
| Indiana | 1 | $582,065 |
| Arizona | 1 | $400,000 |
| California | 1 | $100,000 |
| Kentucky | 1 | $100,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Women's Care Center | Charitable | $582,065 |
| Highsight | Charitable | $400,000 |
| Infinite Worth Project | Charitable | $400,000 |
| Big Shoulders Fund | Charitable | $337,500 |
| Horizons for Youth | Charitable | $150,000 |
| Dav Charitable Service Trust | Charitable | $100,000 |
| Mike Rowe Works Foundation | Charitable | $100,000 |
| Our Lady of Perpetual Help | Charitable | $50,000 |
| Aid for Women | Charitable | $36,839 |
Officers and trustees
- Michael M Berens
- Lisa M Berens
- Stephen M Berens
- Daniel M Berens
- Paul J Berens
- Thomas M Berens
- James M Berens
Questions people ask
Does The Berens Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Berens Foundation give?
$2.2 million in tax year 2024, across 9 grants, with a typical grant of $150,000.
Who runs The Berens Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Michael M Berens (President), Lisa M Berens (Secretary & Treasurer), Stephen M Berens (Director) and Daniel M Berens (Director) among 7 officers and trustees.