The Foster G McGaw Educational Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Foster G McGaw Educational Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $55,000 in 7 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $27,000. 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$55,000
- Number of grants7
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$27,000
- Assets$1.3 million
- New grantees43%
Giving in 2025 was up from $36,500 the year before.
43% 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 | $34,000 | 3 | $1.2 million |
| 2024 | $36,500 | 8 | $1.2 million |
| 2025 | $55,000 | 7 | $1.3 million |
How to apply
The Foster G McGaw Educational 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 Foster G McGaw Educational Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to North Carolina.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 1 | $27,000 |
| Illinois | 3 | $18,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $5,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $3,500 |
| Maine | 1 | $1,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Davidson College | General operating fund | $27,000 |
| Northwestern University | Religious life | $7,500 |
| University of Chicago | General operations and middle east music ensemble | $7,500 |
| University of Pennsylvania | General operations | $5,000 |
| Staibdance | General operations | $3,500 |
| Bravo Waukegan | General operations | $3,000 |
| Bates Dance Festival | General operations | $1,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Margaret C Vail
- James D Vail IV
- John F Vail
- James D Vail V
Questions people ask
Does The Foster G McGaw Educational Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Foster G McGaw Educational Foundation give?
$55,000 in tax year 2025, across 7 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The Foster G McGaw Educational Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Margaret C Vail (President, Director), James D Vail IV (Exe VP, Sec, Ast Sec, Dir), John F Vail (VP, Treasurer, Director) and James D Vail V (Vice President, Director).
What does The Foster G McGaw Educational Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and arts and culture.