The Kemper Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Kemper Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2024 it gave $1.4 million in 145 grants; the typical grant was $3,000 and the largest $150,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$1.4 million
- Number of grants145
- Typical grant$3,000
- Largest grant$150,000
- Assets$48.9 million
- New grantees37%
Giving in 2024 was down from $1.5 million the year before.
37% of its 2024 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 | $1.5 million | 105 | $45.9 million |
| 2024 | $1.4 million | 145 | $48.9 million |
How to apply
The Kemper 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Kemper Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 18 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 11 | $562,238 |
| California | 62 | $267,153 |
| Texas | 31 | $193,076 |
| Indiana | 2 | $160,000 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | $150,000 |
| Florida | 15 | $112,450 |
| District of Columbia | 3 | $100,000 |
| Alabama | 3 | $99,750 |
| New York | 2 | $89,300 |
| Georgia | 2 | $65,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University | 2024-2025 kemper scholars program | $150,000 |
| The University of Chicago | 2024-2025 kemper scholars program | $150,000 |
| University of Notre Dame du Lac | 2024-2025 kemper scholars program | $150,000 |
| University of Wisconsin Foundation | 2024-2025 kemper scholars program | $150,000 |
| American Heart Association | 2024 partnership | $103,250 |
| American Cancer Society | Kemper's acs matching gift campaign | $94,322 |
| Unidosus | 2024 partnership | $90,000 |
| Miles College | 2024-2024 kemper scholars | $85,000 |
| National Urban League | 2024 partnership | $79,300 |
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | 2024-2025 kemper scholars program | $75,000 |
| California State University Los Angeles Foundation | 2025-2026 kemper scholars | $60,000 |
| Clark Atlanta University | 2024-2025 kemper scholars program | $60,000 |
| Breakthrough T1D | 2024 donation | $57,250 |
| Florida International University | 2024-2025 kemper scholars | $50,000 |
| Harris-Stowe State University | 2024-2025 kemper scholars program | $50,000 |
| Charities Aid Foundation | February matching gifts | $30,189 |
| Greater Chicago Food Depository | 2024 donation | $25,000 |
| Yourcause LLC | Matching gifts | $22,184 |
| Chicago Urban League | 2024 donation | $22,000 |
| Los Angeles Regional Food Bank | 2024 donation | $20,000 |
| Valdosta State University | Matching gift for stuart parker 2023 donation | $20,000 |
| Access Psychology Foundation | Matching gift for jason gorevic donation | $10,000 |
| Assistance League of Indianapolis | Matching gift for lacy johnson donation | $10,000 |
| Community Food Bank of Central Alabama | 2024 donation | $10,000 |
| Cristo Rey Miami High School Inc | Matching gift for tere canida donation | $10,000 |
| Feeding South Florida | 2024 donation | $10,000 |
| Glen Arbor Arts Center | Matching gift for george cochran donation | $10,000 |
| North Texas Food Bank | 2024 donation | $10,000 |
| St Louis Food Bank | 2024 donation | $10,000 |
| Individual | Read conmigo grant | $6,224 |
| Individual | Read conmigo grant | $6,000 |
| Bernie's Book Bank | 2024 donation | $6,000 |
| Individual | Read conmigo grant | $6,000 |
| Airlink Inc | Gerry ladrerman bod matching gift | $5,000 |
| Atlanta Community Food Bank | 2024 donation | $5,000 |
| Feeding Northeast Florida | 2024 donation | $5,000 |
| Food Bank of Rio Grande Valley | 2024 donation | $5,000 |
| Istat Foundation | Matching gift for gerry laderman donation | $5,000 |
| National Women's History Museum | Matching gift for susan whiting donation | $5,000 |
| Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum | Matching gift for susan whiting donation | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Joseph Lacher
- Barbara Ciesemier
- Robert O'Keefe
- Uchenna Hicks
- Brad Camden
- Charles Brooks
- C Thomas Evans
- John M Boschelli
- Laura Rock
Questions people ask
Does The Kemper Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Kemper Foundation give?
$1.4 million in tax year 2024, across 145 grants, with a typical grant of $3,000.
Who runs The Kemper Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Joseph Lacher (Chairman), Barbara Ciesemier (President), Robert O'Keefe (Secretary) and Uchenna Hicks (Treasurer) among 9 officers and trustees.
What does The Kemper Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, health and food and hunger.