The Knowles Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Knowles Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2024 it gave $1.4 million in 25 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 and the largest $187,500. 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 grants25
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$187,500
- Assets$28.4 million
- New grantees0%
Giving in 2024 was down from $1.5 million the year before.
0% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $1.1 million | 22 | $23.8 million |
| 2023 | $1.5 million | 24 | $27.5 million |
| 2024 | $1.4 million | 25 | $28.4 million |
How to apply
The Knowles 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 Knowles Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 25 | $1.4 million |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Merit School of Music | Capital campaign | $187,500 |
| Gigi's Playhouse Inc | General fund | $100,000 |
| Lyric Opera of Chicago | Student and family performances fund | $100,000 |
| Friends of the Chicago River | General fund | $80,000 |
| Ray Graham Association | Hanson center | $78,500 |
| Chicago Architecture Center | General fund | $75,000 |
| Elmhurst Memorial Hospital | Breast health program | $75,000 |
| Loyola University Medical Center | Nursing fund | $75,000 |
| Adler Planetarium | School experiences program | $70,000 |
| Merit School of Music | General fund | $68,000 |
| Greater Chicago Food Depository | General fund | $60,000 |
| Ray Graham Association | Able campaign | $50,000 |
| Hinsdale Junior Womans Club | General fund | $50,000 |
| Museum of Science and Industry | General fund | $50,000 |
| Shedd Aquarium Society | General fund | $50,000 |
| The Field Museum | General fund | $50,000 |
| Alliance for the Great Lakes | General fund | $40,000 |
| Foundation for Hearing and Speech Research | Music to my ears program | $32,000 |
| Merit School of Music | Music to my ears program | $32,000 |
| Lincoln Park Zoo | General fund | $30,000 |
| Foundation for Hearing and Speech Research | General fund | $28,000 |
| Shirley Ryan Ability Lab | General fund | $25,000 |
| Foundation for Hearing and Speech Research | Music therapy program | $15,000 |
| Northwestern University | General fund | $10,000 |
| Merit School of Music | South shore program | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Michael J Powers
- David J Hill
- Ronald Lawler
Questions people ask
Does The Knowles Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Knowles Foundation give?
$1.4 million in tax year 2024, across 25 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs The Knowles Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Michael J Powers (Dir/Treas/Sec), David J Hill (Director/President) and Ronald Lawler (Director).
What does The Knowles Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, arts and culture and health.