The Kara Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Kara Foundation is a private foundation in Libertyville, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $425,000 in 23 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $125,000. 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$425,000
- Number of grants23
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$125,000
- Assets$15.6 million
- New grantees74%
Giving in 2025 was up from $406,000 the year before.
74% 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 | $379,400 | 17 | $13.4 million |
| 2024 | $406,000 | 15 | $13.8 million |
| 2025 | $425,000 | 23 | $15.6 million |
How to apply
The Kara 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 Kara Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to Wisconsin.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 6 | $227,500 |
| Illinois | 12 | $192,000 |
| Washington | 1 | $1,500 |
| Florida | 1 | $1,000 |
| Georgia | 1 | $1,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $1,000 |
| Oregon | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Smiles | Operational support | $125,000 |
| 3 Fires Council | Operational support | $65,000 |
| Racine County Zoo | Operational support | $50,000 |
| Lifeline Pilots | Operational support | $30,000 |
| Lakeland School of Walworth County | Operational support | $26,500 |
| Wetosha Senior Community Center | Operational support | $22,000 |
| Wayne Township Food Pantry | Operational support | $20,000 |
| Mobile Care Chicago | Operational support | $20,000 |
| York Township | Operational support | $15,000 |
| Naperville Respons for Our Veterans | Operational support | $10,000 |
| United Spinal Association | Operational support | $10,000 |
| Donka Inc | Operational support | $10,000 |
| Tri Cities Health Department | Operational support | $7,000 |
| Givenkind | Operational support | $3,000 |
| Burlingtom Senior Activity Center | Operational support | $3,000 |
| Kexp | Operational support | $1,500 |
| Doctors Without Borders | Operational support | $1,000 |
| See Turtles | Operational support | $1,000 |
| Bananas Foster | Operational support | $1,000 |
| Milwaukee PBS | Operational support | $1,000 |
| Northern Il FHNB | Operational support | $1,000 |
| Tails Humane Society | Operational support | $1,000 |
| Mote Marine Laboratory | Operational support | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Patrick S Demoon III
- Anthony Demoon
- Paul Demoon
- Judith Demoon
- Patrick Demoon Sr
Questions people ask
Does The Kara Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Kara Foundation give?
$425,000 in tax year 2025, across 23 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Kara Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Patrick S Demoon III (Co-President), Anthony Demoon (Co-President), Paul Demoon (Vice Preside) and Judith Demoon (Board Member) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Kara Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly animals and seniors.