The Bill Bass Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Bill Bass Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2024 it gave $836,000 in 59 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $118,000. 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$836,000
- Number of grants59
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$118,000
- Assets$19.9 million
- New grantees31%
Giving in 2024 was down from $903,000 the year before.
31% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $903,000 | 61 | $18.4 million |
| 2024 | $836,000 | 59 | $19.9 million |
How to apply
The Bill Bass 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 Bill Bass Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 45 | $660,000 |
| New York | 7 | $103,500 |
| Maryland | 1 | $25,000 |
| California | 1 | $10,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $10,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $10,000 |
| Georgia | 1 | $10,000 |
| South Carolina | 1 | $5,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $2,500 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago | General funds | $118,000 |
| Lurie Childrens Foundation | General funds | $50,000 |
| Shirley Ryan Ability Lab | General funds | $50,000 |
| University of Illinois Foundation | General funds | $50,000 |
| Birthright Israel Foundation | General funds | $46,000 |
| Malnati Brain Tumor Institute | General funds | $35,000 |
| Special Childrens Charities | General funds | $28,000 |
| Chicago Police Memorial Foundation | General funds | $25,000 |
| Greater Chicago Food Depository | General funds | $25,000 |
| Cystic Fibrosis Foundation | General funds | $25,000 |
| Northwestern Memorial Healthcare Foundation | General funds | $25,000 |
| National Multiple Sclerosis Society | General funds | $20,000 |
| The Nora Project | General funds | $20,000 |
| Am Shalom Synagogue | General funds | $18,000 |
| Harold E Eisenberg Foundation | General funds | $15,000 |
| First Tee of Chicago Foundation | General funds | $11,000 |
| Ravinia Festival Association | General funds | $10,000 |
| St Ignatius College Prep | General funds | $10,000 |
| Teach for America | General funds | $10,000 |
| National Campaign to Stop Violence | General funds | $10,000 |
| The Helping Hand Network | General funds | $10,000 |
| Congregation Bjbe | General funds | $10,000 |
| Simon Wiesenthal Center | General funds | $10,000 |
| American Cancer Society | General funds | $10,000 |
| Crohn's Colitis Foundation | General funds | $10,000 |
| Female Strong | General funds | $10,000 |
| Northwestern Law | General funds | $10,000 |
| Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation | General funds | $10,000 |
| Imerman Angels | General funds | $10,000 |
| Pickles Group | General funds | $10,000 |
| We the Best Foundation | General funds | $10,000 |
| Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center | General funds | $7,500 |
| Highland Park Community Foundation | General funds | $7,500 |
| Champaign Urbana Ballet | General funds | $7,500 |
| The Michael Hulett Charity | General funds | $6,000 |
| Invest for Kids Inc | General funds | $5,000 |
| Richard Schoenstadt Memorial Foundation | General funds | $5,000 |
| Glasa | General funds | $5,000 |
| Center for Enriched Living | General funds | $5,000 |
| Les Turner ALS Foundation | General funds | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Melinda Jacobson
- Marc Schwartz
Questions people ask
Does The Bill Bass Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Bill Bass Foundation give?
$836,000 in tax year 2024, across 59 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Bill Bass Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Melinda Jacobson (Co-Trustee - Part Time) and Marc Schwartz (Co-Trustee - Part Time).
What does The Bill Bass Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, health and youth programs.