The Lawlor Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Lawlor Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $112,515 in 37 grants; the typical grant was $2,000 and the largest $10,000. 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$112,515
- Number of grants37
- Typical grant$2,000
- Largest grant$10,000
- Assets$1.1 million
- New grantees3%
Giving in 2025 was down from $117,022 the year before.
3% of its 2025 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $122,509 | 42 | $1.1 million |
| 2024 | $117,022 | 39 | $1.0 million |
| 2025 | $112,515 | 37 | $1.1 million |
How to apply
The Lawlor 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 Lawlor Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 29 | $85,500 |
| New York | 4 | $13,015 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $8,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $4,000 |
| California | 1 | $1,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| American Red Cross | General fund | $10,000 |
| Catholic Charities of Chicago | General fund | $10,000 |
| Catholic Theological Union | General fund | $10,000 |
| Doctors Without Borders | General fund | $8,000 |
| Greater Chicago Food Despository | General fund | $8,000 |
| Oxfam America | General fund | $8,000 |
| Catholic Relief Services | General fund | $4,000 |
| Foundation for Homan Square | General fund | $4,000 |
| The Wetlands Initiative | General fund | $4,000 |
| Cnewa | General fund | $3,000 |
| Dominican University | General fund | $3,000 |
| Urban Initiatives | General fund | $3,000 |
| Saints Faith Hope and Charity | General fund | $2,500 |
| Alzheimers Association | General fund | $2,000 |
| Care | General fund | $2,000 |
| Guide Dogs for the Blind | General fund | $2,000 |
| Home | General fund | $2,000 |
| Lincoln Park Community Shelter | General fund | $2,000 |
| Loyola Academy | General fund | $2,000 |
| Lurie Children's Hospital Foundation | General fund | $2,000 |
| Merit Music Program | General fund | $2,000 |
| Misericordia | General fund | $2,000 |
| Parents for Non Violence | General fund | $2,000 |
| The Night Ministry | General fund | $2,000 |
| Thresholds | General fund | $2,000 |
| Chicago Metro History Education Center | General fund | $1,000 |
| Georgetown University | General fund | $1,000 |
| Leukemia and Lymphoma Society | General fund | $1,000 |
| Loyola University | General fund | $1,000 |
| Music Academy of the West | General fund | $1,000 |
| Newberry Library | General fund | $1,000 |
| Queen of Angels School | General fund | $1,000 |
| St Francis Xavier Church | General fund | $1,000 |
| The Hadley School for the Blind | General fund | $1,000 |
| The University of Chicago | General fund | $1,000 |
| Friends of Lane | General fund | $1,000 |
| Alliancebernstein Holdings LP - Schedule K-1 | General fund | $15 |
Officers and trustees
- Wm J Lawlor III
- John F Lawlor
- Michael J Lawlor
- James B Lawlor
- David Lawlor
Questions people ask
Does The Lawlor Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Lawlor Foundation give?
$112,515 in tax year 2025, across 37 grants, with a typical grant of $2,000.
Who runs The Lawlor Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Wm J Lawlor III (Dir/Pres), John F Lawlor (Director), Michael J Lawlor (Executive Director) and James B Lawlor (Director) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Lawlor Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, human services and education.