The Buchanan Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Buchanan Family Foundation is a private foundation in Lake Forest, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $2.5 million in 154 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $100,000. 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$2.5 million
- Number of grants154
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$100,000
- Assets$57.3 million
- New grantees23%
Giving in 2025 was up from $2.5 million the year before.
23% of its 2025 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 | $2.2 million | 147 | $52.8 million |
| 2024 | $2.5 million | 158 | $55.0 million |
| 2025 | $2.5 million | 154 | $57.3 million |
How to apply
The Buchanan 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 Buchanan Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 24 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 74 | $1.2 million |
| Florida | 18 | $252,500 |
| Montana | 9 | $130,000 |
| Massachusetts | 4 | $130,000 |
| Connecticut | 4 | $129,500 |
| New York | 5 | $102,800 |
| New Jersey | 6 | $97,500 |
| Wisconsin | 6 | $89,500 |
| Indiana | 2 | $60,000 |
| Ohio | 1 | $55,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Avon Old Farms School | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $100,000 |
| Smith College | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $100,000 |
| History Center of Lake Forest - Lake Buff | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $75,000 |
| Tall Pines Conservatory | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $75,000 |
| Lake County Community Foundation | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $60,000 |
| Ohio State University College of Veterinary | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $55,000 |
| Bozeman Sports Park Foundation | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $50,000 |
| Delta Waterfowl | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $50,000 |
| Feinstein Institute | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $50,000 |
| Huron Mountain Wildlife Foundation | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $50,000 |
| Purdue University | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $50,000 |
| College of Lake County Foundation | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $45,000 |
| Shirley Ryan Ability Lab | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $40,000 |
| Sugar's Gift | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $40,000 |
| Dutchess Land Conservatory | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $35,000 |
| Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $35,000 |
| Raison D'etre - Dance Company | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $35,000 |
| Lake Forest - Lake Bluff Senior Citizens Foundation | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $33,000 |
| Advocate Lutheran General Hospital | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $30,000 |
| Brookfield Zoo | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $30,000 |
| Eastern Illinois University Foundation | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $30,000 |
| Equestrian Connection | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $30,000 |
| Fox Valley Food for Health | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $30,000 |
| Lincoln Park Zoo | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $30,000 |
| Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $30,000 |
| Planned Parenthood Association | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $30,000 |
| Shedd Aquarium | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $30,000 |
| Community Center of Boca Grande | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $25,000 |
| Friends of Thai Daughters | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $25,000 |
| Ravinia Festival | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $25,000 |
| United States Equestrian Team Foundation | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $25,000 |
| Founding Fish Network | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $20,000 |
| Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $20,000 |
| Nature Conservancy of Illinois | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $20,000 |
| Our House of Hope Animal Rescue | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $20,000 |
| Root | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $20,000 |
| United Way of Lake County | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $20,000 |
| University of Miami Rosenstiel School | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $20,000 |
| WTTW - Channel 11 | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $20,000 |
| The Lesotho Connection | General, operating, endowment or capital. | $18,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Kenneth H Buchanan
- Charles F Kane Jr
- Margaux Buchanan
- Hunt Eldridge III
- Brian K Jones
- Perrin B Martin
Questions people ask
Does The Buchanan Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Buchanan Family Foundation give?
$2.5 million in tax year 2025, across 154 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Buchanan Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Kenneth H Buchanan (President), Charles F Kane Jr (Treasurer), Margaux Buchanan (Secretary) and Hunt Eldridge III (Vice-President) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does The Buchanan Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, environment and conservation and arts and culture.