The Berkman Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Berkman Family Foundation is a private foundation in Highland Park, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $97,585 in 29 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $32,110. 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$97,585
- Number of grants29
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$32,110
- Assets$2.3 million
- New grantees40%
Giving in 2025 was up from $95,278 the year before.
40% 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 | $60,992 | 21 | $1.9 million |
| 2024 | $95,278 | 20 | $2.1 million |
| 2025 | $97,585 | 29 | $2.3 million |
How to apply
The Berkman 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 The Berkman Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 15 | $72,858 |
| Pennsylvania | 2 | $17,500 |
| New York | 5 | $4,018 |
| California | 1 | $1,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $1,000 |
| Michigan | 1 | $680 |
| Texas | 1 | $250 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $124 |
| Maryland | 1 | $118 |
| Florida | 1 | $37 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jewish United Fund Metro Chicago | furtherance of tax exempt purpose | $32,110 |
| Individual | furtherance of tax exempt purpose | $19,108 |
| Univ of Pennsylvania - Wharton Scho | furtherance of tax exempt purpose | $15,000 |
| Northwestern Memorial Foundation | Futherance of tax exempt purpose | $10,000 |
| Chicago Dancers United | furtherance of tax exempt purpose | $2,680 |
| Individual | furtherance of tax exempt purpose | $2,500 |
| LSCC Educational Fund | Furtherance of tax exempt purposes | $1,500 |
| Individual | Furtherance of Tax Exempt Purposes | $1,500 |
| Conway Farms Golf Foundation | Furtherance of tax exempt purposes | $1,200 |
| Illinois Holocaust Museum | furtherance of tax exempt purpose | $1,000 |
| Evans Scholarship Foundation | furtherance of tax exempt purpose | $1,000 |
| Individual | furtherance of tax exempt purpose | $1,000 |
| US Holocaust Museum | Futherance of tax exempt purpose | $1,000 |
| American Friends of Alyn Hospital | Furtherance of Tax Exempt Purpose | $1,000 |
| American Friend of Magen David Adom | Furtherance of Tax Exempt Purpose | $1,000 |
| Brain Trauma Foundation | Furtherance of Tax Exempt Purpose | $1,000 |
| Individual | furtherance of tax exempt purpose | $960 |
| Individual | Furtherance of Tax Exempt Purposes | $680 |
| Individual | furtherance of tax exempt purpose | $500 |
| JCFS | furtherance of tax exepmt purpose | $500 |
| Individual | Furtherance of Tax Exempt Purpose | $500 |
| Helping Hands Network | Furtherance of Tax Exempt Purpose | $500 |
| Highland Park Community Foundation | Furtherance of Tax Exempt Purpose | $500 |
| Northwestern University | furtherance of tax exempt purpose | $300 |
| Individual | furtherance of tax exempt purpose | $250 |
| Sharsharet | Furtherance of tax exempt purpose | $124 |
| Bikur Cholin Greater Wash Mitzvah | Furtherance of Tax Exempt Purpose | $118 |
| Beth Torah Benny Rok Syn | Furtherance of Tax Exempt Purpose | $37 |
| Jewish National Fund | Furtheranc of Tax Exempt Purpose | $18 |
Officers and trustees
- Jodie Berkman
- Peter Berkman
- Nicole Berkman
Questions people ask
Does The Berkman Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Berkman Family Foundation give?
$97,585 in tax year 2025, across 29 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs The Berkman Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Jodie Berkman (President), Peter Berkman (Director) and Nicole Berkman (Vice President).
What does The Berkman Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, arts and culture and education.