The Ed Watkowski Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Ed Watkowski Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.1 million in 11 grants; the typical grant was $100,000 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$1.1 million
- Number of grants11
- Typical grant$100,000
- Largest grant$100,000
- Assets$18.9 million
- New grantees18%
Giving in 2025 was the same as $1.1 million the year before.
18% 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 | $0 | 0 | $365,054 |
| 2024 | $1.1 million | 11 | $18.7 million |
| 2025 | $1.1 million | 11 | $18.9 million |
How to apply
The Ed Watkowski 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 Ed Watkowski Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 6 | $600,000 |
| Kansas | 1 | $100,000 |
| New York | 1 | $100,000 |
| Ohio | 1 | $100,000 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $100,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $100,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Diocese of Chicago - Holy Name Cathedral | General purposes | $100,000 |
| Disabled American Veterans (Dav) | General purposes | $100,000 |
| Make A Wish | General purposes | $100,000 |
| March of Dimes | General purposes | $100,000 |
| Mercy Home for Boys and Girls | General purposes | $100,000 |
| Mercy Ships | General purposes | $100,000 |
| Ronald McDonald House Lurie Children's | General purposes | $100,000 |
| Shriners Children's Hospital | General purposes | $100,000 |
| St Jude Children's Research Hospital | General purposes | $100,000 |
| Tunnel to Towers Foundation | General purposes | $100,000 |
| Wounded Warrior Project | General purposes | $100,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Joseph G Brady
- Scott C Brady
- Joanne M Brady
Questions people ask
Does The Ed Watkowski Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Ed Watkowski Foundation give?
$1.1 million in tax year 2025, across 11 grants, with a typical grant of $100,000.
Who runs The Ed Watkowski Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Joseph G Brady (Pres/Treas/Dir), Scott C Brady (Sec/Dir) and Joanne M Brady (Vice Pres/Dir).
What does The Ed Watkowski Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, health and veterans.