The Jessica Fund
Accepts applications
The Jessica Fund is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $387,435 in 31 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $90,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$387,435
- Number of grants31
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$90,000
- Assets$3.4 million
- New grantees61%
Giving in 2025 was up from $307,830 the year before.
61% 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 | $665,000 | 25 | $3.1 million |
| 2024 | $307,830 | 30 | $3.2 million |
| 2025 | $387,435 | 31 | $3.4 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Carol Prins 1500 North Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60610 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (312) 642-7165 |
| What to submit | Two (2) typewritten pages |
What The Jessica Fund funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 16 | $251,315 |
| New York | 7 | $82,000 |
| California | 5 | $38,120 |
| Georgia | 1 | $8,000 |
| New Mexico | 1 | $5,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $3,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Museum of Contemporary Art | General operating support | $90,000 |
| Chicago Foundation for Women | General operating support | $80,000 |
| Chicago Theatre Group Inc | General operating support | $35,000 |
| Friends of United Hatzalah Inc | General operating support | $24,000 |
| American Civil Liberties Union Foundation Inc | General operating support | $20,000 |
| The Neighborhood Playhouse | General operating support | $12,000 |
| Standwithus | General operating support | $11,120 |
| Chicago Sinai Temple | General operating support | $10,675 |
| Barnard College | General operating support | $10,000 |
| Maman Nonprofit | General operating support | $10,000 |
| Friends of the Children - Chicago | General operating support | $10,000 |
| Institute for Music and Nerologic Function | General operating support | $10,000 |
| Temple Shalom | General operating support | $8,990 |
| Justice for Children Foundation Inc | General operating support | $8,000 |
| Impact Forum Foundation | General operating support | $7,000 |
| Georgia O'Keefe Museum | General operating support | $5,000 |
| Girlforward | General operating support | $5,000 |
| Mitzvah Matters | General operating support | $5,000 |
| Ready for Succeed | General operating support | $5,000 |
| The Jewish Agency for Israel - North American Council | General operating support | $5,000 |
| Vocel | General operating support | $3,000 |
| American Friends of Unit 669 Inc | General operating support | $3,000 |
| Imerman Angels | General operating support | $2,500 |
| Jewish Community Center | General operating support | $2,100 |
| Francis W Parker School | General operating support | $1,000 |
| Friends of the Israel Defense Forces | General operating support | $1,000 |
| Chicago Public Media | General operating support | $1,000 |
| The Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence | General operating support | $750 |
| Almost Home Kids | General operating support | $500 |
| American Jewish World Services | General operating support | $500 |
| Arts Club of Chicago | General operating support | $300 |
Officers and trustees
- Carol Prins
- John Hart
- Audrey Prins
Questions people ask
Does The Jessica Fund accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does The Jessica Fund give?
$387,435 in tax year 2025, across 31 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The Jessica Fund?
Its 2025 filing lists Carol Prins (Trustee), John Hart (Trustee) and Audrey Prins (Trustee).
What does The Jessica Fund fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, faith communities and youth programs.