The Bluhm Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Bluhm Family Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2024 it gave $13.0 million in 59 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $4.5 million. 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$13.0 million
- Number of grants59
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$4.5 million
- Assets$15.1 million
- New grantees63%
Giving in 2024 was up from $12.8 million the year before.
63% of its 2024 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 | $12.8 million | 58 | $8.5 million |
| 2024 | $13.0 million | 59 | $15.1 million |
How to apply
The Bluhm 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 Bluhm Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 36 | $6.8 million |
| District of Columbia | 5 | $4.3 million |
| New York | 8 | $935,800 |
| Pennsylvania | 2 | $725,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $100,000 |
| Florida | 2 | $58,000 |
| California | 3 | $30,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $10,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern Memorial Foundation | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $4.5 million |
| Milken Institute | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $4.0 million |
| University of Pennsylvania | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $700,000 |
| Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $609,960 |
| Whitney Museum of American Art | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $500,000 |
| Steppenwolf Theatre Co | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $275,000 |
| Anti-Defamation League | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $250,000 |
| The Chicago Community Trust | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $250,000 |
| United States Holocaust Memorial Museum | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $200,000 |
| Chicago Cares | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $150,000 |
| Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $125,790 |
| American Israel Education Foundation | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $100,000 |
| Horizons National Student Enrichment Program Inc | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $100,000 |
| Onegoal | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $100,000 |
| Youth Guidance | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $100,000 |
| Access Living | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $50,000 |
| Boys & Girls Club of Chicago | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $50,000 |
| Bright Star Community Outreach | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $50,000 |
| Central Fund of Israel | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $50,000 |
| Digestive Health Foundation | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $50,000 |
| Glenkirk Foundation | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $50,000 |
| Shirley Ryan Abilitylab | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $50,000 |
| Teach for America | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $49,600 |
| South Florida Science Center and Aquarium Inc | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $48,000 |
| The Studio Museum in Harlem | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $42,200 |
| Youth Job Center Inc | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $30,000 |
| After School Matters | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $25,000 |
| American Brain Tumor Association | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $25,000 |
| Chicago Public Library Foundation | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $25,000 |
| Harris Theater for Music and Dance | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $25,000 |
| Helphopelive Inc | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $25,000 |
| Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $25,000 |
| Invest for Kids | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $25,000 |
| Merit School of Music | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $25,000 |
| The Dovetail Project | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $25,000 |
| The Philharmonic Symphony Society of New York | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $24,000 |
| Intrinsic Schools | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $20,000 |
| Child Mind Institute | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $15,000 |
| Gateway for Cancer Research Inc | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $15,000 |
| Intonation Music Workshop | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $15,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Neil G Bluhm
- Andrew G Bluhm
- Leslie N Bluhm
- Meredith A Bluhm-Wolf
Questions people ask
Does The Bluhm Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Bluhm Family Foundation give?
$13.0 million in tax year 2024, across 59 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs The Bluhm Family Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Neil G Bluhm (Trustee), Andrew G Bluhm (Trustee), Leslie N Bluhm (Trustee) and Meredith A Bluhm-Wolf (Trustee).
What does The Bluhm Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, education and youth programs.