The Dancing Skies Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Dancing Skies Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $510,000 in 18 grants; the typical grant was $17,500 and the largest $190,000. 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$510,000
- Number of grants18
- Typical grant$17,500
- Largest grant$190,000
- Assets$8.8 million
- New grantees11%
Giving in 2025 was the same as $510,000 the year before.
11% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $485,000 | 16 | $7.8 million |
| 2024 | $510,000 | 17 | $7.8 million |
| 2025 | $510,000 | 18 | $8.8 million |
How to apply
The Dancing Skies 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 Dancing Skies Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 10 | $380,000 |
| New York | 3 | $55,000 |
| Kentucky | 1 | $40,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $10,000 |
| Delaware | 1 | $10,000 |
| Michigan | 1 | $10,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ravinia Festival Association | Charitable | $190,000 |
| Fourth Presbyterian Church | Charitable | $50,000 |
| The Night Ministry | Charitable | $45,000 |
| Berea College | Charitable | $40,000 |
| The Joffrey Ballet | Charitable | $25,000 |
| Doctors Without Borders | Charitable | $20,000 |
| Fisher Center for Alzheimers Research | Charitable | $20,000 |
| Planned Parenthood | Charitable | $20,000 |
| Tacf | Charitable | $20,000 |
| Michael J Fox Foundation | Charitable | $15,000 |
| Art Institute of Chicago | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Anera | Charitable | $10,000 |
| The Hope Foundation | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Les Turner ALS Foundation | Charitable | $10,000 |
| World Central Kitchen | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Charity Navigator | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Harold Colbert Jones Memorial Community Center | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Lyric Opera | Charitable | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Audrey Weaver
- Meredith Erickson
- Karl Leinberger
Questions people ask
Does The Dancing Skies Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Dancing Skies Foundation give?
$510,000 in tax year 2025, across 18 grants, with a typical grant of $17,500.
Who runs The Dancing Skies Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Audrey Weaver (President), Meredith Erickson (Director) and Karl Leinberger (Director).
What does The Dancing Skies Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities and arts and culture.