The Canning Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Canning Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $7.0 million in 49 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $1.7 million. 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$7.0 million
- Number of grants49
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$1.7 million
- Assets$40.5 million
- New grantees54%
Giving in 2025 was down from $8.6 million the year before.
54% 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 | $7.3 million | 90 | $31.8 million |
| 2024 | $8.6 million | 65 | $44.1 million |
| 2025 | $7.0 million | 49 | $40.5 million |
How to apply
The Canning 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 Canning Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 41 | $6.3 million |
| Ohio | 1 | $200,000 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $199,999 |
| Virginia | 2 | $125,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $100,000 |
| Wisconsin | 2 | $52,500 |
| Texas | 1 | $20,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Big Shoulders Fund | On 02/28/2025, the foundation donated 12,850 shs of sui with a book value of $350,465 to help further the organization's program services. Valuations are based on the average of the high/low share price on the date of the contribution. | $1.7 million |
| Northwestern Medicine | On 12/30/2025, the foundation donated 2 shs of brka with a book value of $208,661 to help further the organization's program services. Valuations are based on the average of the high/low share price on the date of the contribution. | $1.5 million |
| Northwestern Memorial Foundation | To further program services | $475,644 |
| Northwestern Medicine | On 02/28/2025, the foundation donated 2,950 shs of sui with a book value of $80,457 to help further the organization's program services. Valuations are based on the average of the high/low share price on the date of the contribution. | $399,356 |
| Northwestern University | To further program services of the canning inspire fund | $250,000 |
| Chicago Zoological Society | To further program services | $200,000 |
| Denison University | To further program services | $200,000 |
| Harper College Educational Foundation | To further program services | $200,000 |
| Northwestern University | To further program services of the biochemistry & molecular genetics fund | $200,000 |
| Duke University | To further program services | $199,999 |
| Hope Education and Outreach of St Sabina | To further program services | $150,000 |
| Merit School of Music | To further program services | $150,000 |
| Big Shoulders Fund | To further program services | $112,500 |
| Casey's Safe Haven Holistic Horse Rescue and Sanctuary | To further program services | $100,172 |
| Access Living | To further program services | $100,000 |
| Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation | To further program services | $100,000 |
| Northwest Community Hospital Foundation | To further program services | $100,000 |
| The Michael J Fox Foundation | To further program services | $100,000 |
| Young at Heart | To further program services | $100,000 |
| Youth Services | To further program services | $100,000 |
| Leo High School | To further program services | $75,000 |
| Uwsp Foundation Inc | To further program services | $50,000 |
| Paws Chicago | To further program services | $25,400 |
| Equine Guardians | To further program services | $25,000 |
| Famous Fido Rescue and Adoption Alliance | To further program services | $25,000 |
| Lutheran Church Charities | To further program services | $25,000 |
| Nourish Fka Orphan Network | To further program services | $25,000 |
| Our Lady of Tepeyac High School | To further program services | $25,000 |
| Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum | To further program services | $25,000 |
| Bravehearts | To further program services | $20,000 |
| Catholic Extension | To further program services | $20,000 |
| St Francis de Sales High School | To further program services | $20,000 |
| Warrior Dog Foundation | To further program services | $20,000 |
| Depaul University | To further program services | $15,000 |
| The Children's Advocacy Center | To further program services | $15,000 |
| Brother Rice High School | To further program services | $10,000 |
| Golden Apple Foundation | To further program services | $10,000 |
| Navy Pier Inc | To further program services | $10,000 |
| On Angels' Wings Pet Rescue | To further program services | $10,000 |
| Reading Power Inc | To further program services | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- John A Canning Jr
- Rita J Canning
- Sharon J Kulak
- Elizabeth Canning Lupo
- John F Podjasek III
- Robert J Quinn
- Timothy Canning
- Michael Canning
- Jeff Podjasek
- Steve Podjasek
Questions people ask
Does The Canning Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Canning Foundation give?
$7.0 million in tax year 2025, across 49 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs The Canning Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists John A Canning Jr (Co-President/Director), Rita J Canning (Co-President/Director), Sharon J Kulak (Sec/Director) and Elizabeth Canning Lupo (Director) among 10 officers and trustees.
What does The Canning Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, education and animals.