The Macdougal Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Macdougal Family Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $239,670 in 57 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $50,200. 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$239,670
- Number of grants57
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$50,200
- Assets$4.1 million
- New grantees35%
Giving in 2025 was down from $283,935 the year before.
35% of its 2025 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 | $129,850 | 52 | $3.2 million |
| 2024 | $283,935 | 64 | $3.7 million |
| 2025 | $239,670 | 57 | $4.1 million |
How to apply
The Macdougal Family 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 Macdougal Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 14 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 21 | $121,090 |
| California | 1 | $50,200 |
| New York | 20 | $44,880 |
| Michigan | 2 | $6,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $3,500 |
| Virginia | 3 | $3,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $2,500 |
| Washington | 1 | $2,500 |
| Iowa | 1 | $1,500 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Barry A Murphy Fund | General operation support | $50,200 |
| Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church | General operation support | $25,000 |
| Next Generation Bulgaria Fund | General operation support | $25,000 |
| Church of the Ascension - Chicago | General operation support | $18,490 |
| History Center of Lake Forest | General operation support | $12,050 |
| Allies for Community Business Inc | General operation support | $10,000 |
| Project Hood Helping Others | General operation support | $10,000 |
| Wirepoints | General operation support | $10,000 |
| Forward Momentum Chicago | General operation support | $6,000 |
| First Presb Church of Lake Forest | General operation support | $5,000 |
| Friends of Lake Forest Parks & Rec | General operation support | $5,000 |
| Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities | General operation support | $5,000 |
| The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Chu | General operation support | $5,000 |
| Citadel Theater | General operation support | $3,250 |
| American Enterprise Institute | General operation support | $2,500 |
| Be the Difference | General operation support | $2,500 |
| Chicago Cultural Alliance | General operation support | $2,500 |
| Gerald Arpino Foundation | General operation support | $2,500 |
| Manhattan Institute | General operation support | $2,500 |
| VNS Health | General operation support | $2,250 |
| Lake Forest Open Land | General operation support | $2,050 |
| Strive Organization | General operation support | $2,000 |
| American Red Cross | General operation support | $1,500 |
| Navy Seal Foundation | General operation support | $1,500 |
| The Metropolitan Opera | General operation support | $1,500 |
| A Song for You | General operation support | $1,000 |
| Better Government Association | General operation support | $1,000 |
| Cato Institute | General operation support | $1,000 |
| Central Park Conservancy | General operation support | $1,000 |
| Chicago Symphony Orchestra | General operation support | $1,000 |
| Fire | General operation support | $1,000 |
| FL Council on Economic Education | General operation support | $1,000 |
| Hillsdale College | General operation support | $1,000 |
| Il Policy Institute | General operation support | $1,000 |
| Institute for Justice | General operation support | $1,000 |
| Irish Repertory Theatre | General operation support | $1,000 |
| Joffrey Ballet | General operation support | $1,000 |
| Lincoln Park Zoo | General operation support | $1,000 |
| Lyric Opera Chicago | General operation support | $1,000 |
| New Alternatives for Children | General operation support | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Gary E Macdougal
- Gary Macdougal Jr
- Michael Macdougal
Questions people ask
Does The Macdougal Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Macdougal Family Foundation give?
$239,670 in tax year 2025, across 57 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs The Macdougal Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Gary E Macdougal (President), Gary Macdougal Jr (Vp-Secretary) and Michael Macdougal (Vp-Treasurer).
What does The Macdougal Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, arts and culture and environment and conservation.