The Leonard and Joan Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Leonard and Joan Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $308,794 in 64 grants; the typical grant was $2,575 and the largest $51,600. 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$308,794
- Number of grants64
- Typical grant$2,575
- Largest grant$51,600
- Assets$7.0 million
- New grantees11%
Giving in 2025 was up from $278,727 the year before.
11% 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 | $238,116 | 63 | $5.4 million |
| 2024 | $278,727 | 61 | $6.1 million |
| 2025 | $308,794 | 64 | $7.0 million |
How to apply
The Leonard and Joan 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 Leonard and Joan Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 13 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 38 | $235,532 |
| New York | 8 | $18,533 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $10,220 |
| Kansas | 1 | $10,010 |
| California | 4 | $8,114 |
| Virginia | 2 | $5,273 |
| Georgia | 2 | $4,613 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $4,611 |
| Maryland | 2 | $4,583 |
| Michigan | 1 | $2,643 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Chicago | Education | $51,600 |
| Part I Ln 25 Cash Basis Contr Adjus | Part 1 ln 25 cash basis contr adj | $30,512 |
| Season of Concern | Theatre productions | $20,600 |
| International Voices Project | Community service | $15,000 |
| Music Theater Works | Theatre productions | $10,500 |
| American Civil Liberties Union Foun | Public support | $10,350 |
| Save the Children Federation Inc | Public support | $10,220 |
| International Essential Tremor Foun | Medical research | $10,010 |
| Theo Ubique | Theatre productions | $10,000 |
| Albany Park Theater Project | Theatre productions | $7,575 |
| Loyola University Chicago | Education | $7,000 |
| Lungevity | Medical research | $5,332 |
| Chicago Reader | Public media | $5,311 |
| National Multiple Sclerosis Society | Medical research | $5,300 |
| American Brain Tumor Association | Medical research | $5,289 |
| American Cancer Society | Medical research | $5,275 |
| National Immigrant Justice Center | Public support | $5,149 |
| American National Red Cross | Medical care | $5,125 |
| Chicago House and Social Service | Housing | $5,000 |
| Chicago Public Media | Public radio | $2,750 |
| Black Button Eyes | Theatre productions | $2,717 |
| March of Dimes | Medical research | $2,645 |
| American Autoimmune Related Disease Association | Medical research | $2,643 |
| American Diabetes Association | Medical research | $2,628 |
| Alzheimer's Association | Medical research | $2,614 |
| UNICEF | Public support | $2,614 |
| One Acre Fund | Public support | $2,596 |
| Arthritis National Research Found | Medical research | $2,581 |
| Planned Parenthood | Medical research | $2,581 |
| Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS | Community service | $2,580 |
| Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Public support | $2,575 |
| International Rescue Committee | Community service | $2,575 |
| Southern Poverty Law Center | Community service | $2,575 |
| National Alliance for Musical Theat | Musical theatre | $2,563 |
| Michael J Fox Parkinsons | Medical research | $2,558 |
| Black Ensemble Theater | Theatre productions | $2,500 |
| Doctors Without Boarders | Community service | $2,500 |
| National Keratoconus Foundation | Medical research | $2,500 |
| National Resources Defense Council | Public support | $2,500 |
| Rheumatology Research Foundation | Medical research | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- L Walter Stearns
- Eugene Dizon
- Marcela Dizon
Questions people ask
Does The Leonard and Joan Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Leonard and Joan Foundation give?
$308,794 in tax year 2025, across 64 grants, with a typical grant of $2,575.
Who runs The Leonard and Joan Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists L Walter Stearns (President), Eugene Dizon (Vice Preside) and Marcela Dizon (Secretary).
What does The Leonard and Joan Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, health and science and research.